Trump-Zelenskyy spat: European leaders back Ukraine while White House touts support for Trump
The Hindu
Global leaders rally behind President Zelenskyy after Oval Office showdown with Trump, highlighting deep fissures over Ukraine.
Ukraine’s European partners as well as other global leaders rallied behind President Volodymyr Zelenskyy while the White House touted support for President Donald Trump’s “American First strength” after a remarkable showdown in the Oval Office between the two leaders.
Mr. Zelenskyy departed the White House on Friday (February 28, 2025) after an unprecedented verbal clash in the Oval Office between him and Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.
The heated exchange between Mr. Trump and Mr. Zelenskyy and the resulting outpouring of support for the Ukrainian leader highlighted the deep fissures that have emerged between America and Europe over Ukraine.
Mr. Zelenskyy’s timeline on X was filled with messages of support from European allies and other countries from across the world. His response to all the messages was “Thank you for your support.”
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who was in India on Friday for an official visit, said in a post on X, “Your dignity honours the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President @ZelenskyyUa. We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.”
French President Emmanuel Macron, who met Mr. Trump at the White House just this past Monday, said in a post on X that there is an aggressor: Russia.
"There is a victim: Ukraine. We were right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago—and to keep doing so.
