New York: The diplomatic rift between the United States and Europe over Ukraine widened on Friday after a heated exchange between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office. While European leaders swiftly expressed their support for Zelensky, the White House reaffirmed its stance alongside Trump.
The unexpected verbal confrontation unfolded in the presence of US Vice President JD Vance, after which Zelensky left the White House. The incident underscored the growing divide between the US and its European allies on the Ukraine crisis.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commended Zelensky’s resilience, stating on social media, “Your dignity reflects the courage of the Ukrainian people. Stay strong, brave, and fearless, dear Volodymyr Zelensky. We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.”
French President Emmanuel Macron reinforced Europe’s commitment to Ukraine, writing, “There is an aggressor: Russia. There is a victim: Ukraine. Helping Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia was the right decision three years ago – and it remains the right decision today.” He added that this commitment extended beyond Europe, including the US, Canada, Japan, and other nations.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a close ally of Trump, called for an urgent summit between the US and European nations to restore diplomatic dialogue. “An immediate summit between America, European countries, and allies is essential to openly discuss how we tackle today’s major challenges, beginning with Ukraine, which we have collectively defended in recent years,” she stated.
Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, expressed solidarity with Ukraine, saying, “Dear Volodymyr Zelensky, we stand with Ukraine in good times and in difficult times. We must never be confused about who is the aggressor and who is the victim in this war.”
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas also reiterated support, saying, “We stand with Zelensky and Ukraine in their fight for freedom—always, because it is the right thing to do, even when it is not easy.” Similar messages of solidarity came from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Dutch Prime Minister Kasper Veldkamp.
Meanwhile, the White House issued a statement backing Trump, asserting, “President Trump and Vice President Vance’s ‘America First Strength’ is gaining support. They have made it clear that the US will not be taken advantage of. The administration and lawmakers across the nation share this sentiment.”
The statement included remarks from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Rubio praised Trump, saying, “Thank you, Mr. President, for standing up for America. No leader has ever had the courage to do this before. We appreciate your commitment to putting America first.” Noem added, “I am incredibly proud of our Commander-in-Chief. Thank you, President Trump and Vice President Vance, for defending America. We will not tolerate disrespect toward our nation.”
However, US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi criticized Trump and Vance for their treatment of Zelensky, calling their behavior “disrespectful.” He stated, “The American people stand with the people of Ukraine, even if Trump aligns himself with Vladimir Putin and Russia.”
The escalating discord between the US and its European allies over Ukraine’s support signals potential geopolitical shifts, as Washington's stance appears to diverge sharply from that of its traditional partners.
