World Leaders React to Zelenskyy-Trump White House Meeting

On February 28, Global leaders are voicing reactions to the tense meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. The conversation, marked by exchanges over the war in Ukraine, has sparked a wave of international solidarity with Kyiv.

🇵🇱 Poland

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine, addressing Zelenskyy directly:

"Dear Zelenskyy, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone."

🇪🇸 Spain

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez echoed this sentiment, tweeting in Spanish, English, and Ukrainian:

"Ukraine, Spain stands with you."

🇩🇪 Germany

German politician and next Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned against misrepresenting the war:

"Dear Volodymyr Zelenskyy, we stand with Ukraine in good and in testing times. We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war."

Germany’s caretaker Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated Germany’s long-term commitment to Kyiv:

"Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians do. Therefore, we are working on a common path to a lasting and just peace. Ukraine can rely on Germany – and on Europe."

The deputy leader of the CDU and expected future Chancellor Johann Wadephul condemned the atmosphere of the White House talks:

"The scenes from the White House are shocking. How can someone stab the president of an invaded country in the back like that? Free Europe will not betray Ukraine!"

🇫🇷 France

French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of standing by those who have been fighting since the start of the war, declaring:

"We must respect those who have fought from the very beginning." "There is an aggressor, which is Russia, and the people who have been attacked – Ukraine."

🇲🇩 Moldova

Moldovan President Maia Sandu took a firm stance on the nature of the war, stating:

"The truth is simple. Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine defends its freedom—and ours. We stand with Ukraine."

🇮🇪 Ireland

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris made it clear that Ukraine should not be blamed for the war, emphasizing:

"Ukraine is not to blame for this war brought about by Russia’s illegal invasion. We stand with Ukraine." 🇺🇦 🇮🇪

🇱🇹 Lithuania

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda sent a message of solidarity, telling Ukraine:

"You'll never walk alone."

🇸🇪 Sweden

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson underscored Ukraine’s broader significance in the war, stating:

"Sweden stands with Ukraine. You are not only fighting for your freedom but also for all of Europe’s. Slava Ukraini!" 🇺🇦

🇳🇴 Norway

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre echoed the call for justice, emphasizing:

"We stand by Ukraine in their fair struggle for a just and lasting peace."

🇱🇻 Latvia

Latvian leaders also reinforced their commitment, with Prime Minister Evika Siliņa declaring:

"Latvia stands with Ukraine." 🇱🇻🇺🇦

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs addressed the geopolitical stakes of the war, stating:

"Ukraine is a victim of Russian aggression. It fights the war with the help from many friends and partners. We need to spare no effort for a just and lasting peace. Diplomacy is sometimes the art of the impossible in difficult circumstances."

🇨🇿 Czech Republic

Czech President Petr Pavel called for increased European efforts:

"We stand with Ukraine more than ever. Time for Europe to step up its efforts."

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala made a clear declaration of allegiance:

"We stand with Ukraine and on the side of the free world!"

🇵🇹 Portugal

Portuguese President Luís Montenegro directly addressed Zelenskyy, assuring him:

"Ukraine can always count on Portugal."

🇱🇺 Luxembourg

Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden emphasized Ukraine’s fight as a defense of international law:

"Luxembourg stands with Ukraine. You are fighting for your freedom and a rules-based international order."

🇪🇺 European Commission

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa both praised Zelenskyy’s leadership, with von der Leyen declaring:

"Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President Zelenskyy"

🇫🇮 Finland

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen highlighted Ukraine’s democratic choice:

"Finland stands with the people and their right to choose. In Ukraine, people have chosen freedom. We stand by Ukraine."

🇳🇱 Netherlands

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof reaffirmed unwavering Dutch support:

"The Netherlands supports Ukraine as firmly as ever. Now more than ever. We want a lasting peace and an end to the war of aggression started by Russia. For Ukraine and its people, and for Europe."

🇧🇪 Belgium

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever framed Ukraine’s struggle as one shared by Europe:

"We stand behind Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in their historic fight to defend themselves against an unprovoked Russian aggression. Their fight is our fight. United we are strong."

Editor's note: This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.