European leaders have voiced strong support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following his tense and abrupt meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance on Friday. The Oval Office encounter ended with Zelenskyy leaving—either by choice or at Trump’s request—without signing a key agreement on critical minerals, sparking concerns over Ukraine’s future relations with the U.S.
“You are never alone, dear President Zelenskyy,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on social media site X, reaffirming Europe’s commitment to Ukraine. “We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.”
Europe Reassesses Transatlantic Relations
While most European leaders avoided directly naming Trump in their statements, the fallout from the meeting has fueled renewed discussions on Europe’s security independence. Many leaders have already been reconsidering their reliance on the U.S. after recent tariff threats and diplomatic snubs from Washington—including the exclusion of Ukraine and European nations from U.S.-Russia talks on February 18.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressed Ukrainians directly, writing, “You are not alone.”
Germany’s likely next Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, warned against drawing false equivalencies in the conflict: “We must never confuse the aggressor and the victim in this terrible war.”
French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated the same stance: “There is an aggressor: Russia. There is a victim: Ukraine.” He defended Western support for Kyiv, emphasizing that military and economic aid had been essential in countering Moscow’s aggression.
European Leaders Confront Trump Over Ukraine
Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer both met separately with Trump earlier in the week. Unlike Zelenskyy’s meeting, their discussions were cordial, but both leaders reportedly pushed back against Trump’s statements, fact-checking him in real time.
Following Friday’s White House incident, Starmer held calls with both Trump and Zelenskyy and will host a European leaders’ summit in London on Sunday, where Ukraine’s security will be a key topic. He also reaffirmed the UK’s “commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary to deter Russian aggression” in a conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Hungary’s Orban Backs Trump’s Approach
However, not all European leaders sided with Zelenskyy.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, known for his pro-Russia stance, praised Trump’s handling of the meeting. “Strong men make peace, weak men make war. Today President Donald Trump stood bravely for peace, even if it was difficult for many to digest,” Orbán wrote on X.
Zelenskyy Arrives in London for Key Talks
Following the White House confrontation, Zelenskyy arrived in London on Saturday ahead of the European summit, where leaders are expected to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine amid uncertain U.S. support.
With America’s stance on Ukraine shifting under Trump’s leadership, European nations are now under pressure to strengthen their own commitments and defense strategies, ensuring Ukraine does not stand alone in its fight against Russian aggression.