Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, took to social media to express her disappointment, stating, "The free world needs a new leader. Ukraine is Europe! We stand by Ukraine."
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed this sentiment, assuring Ukrainians that "Ukraine can rely on Germany — and on Europe." Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez similarly voiced support, declaring, "Ukraine, Spain stands with you."
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking from Portugal, reinforced the view that "Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine is the victim." Other European leaders, including those from Finland, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Norway, also posted messages of solidarity.
However, not all European leaders aligned with this stance. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, known for his critical views on European military aid to Kyiv, praised Trump’s approach. "President @realDonaldTrump stood bravely for peace, even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr. President!" Orbán wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The diplomatic friction between Trump and Zelenskyy arose during discussions about a proposed U.S.-Ukraine deal granting American companies access to Ukrainian rare mineral reserves. Tensions escalated approximately 40 minutes into the meeting when Zelenskyy brought up Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea.
Vice President JD Vance quickly criticized the Ukrainian leader, dismissing his remarks as part of a "propaganda tour." Trump and Vance further accused Zelenskyy of failing to show appreciation for the substantial military and financial aid the U.S. has provided.
As the meeting ended abruptly, the White House confirmed that the mineral rights agreement remained unsigned.
The fallout from the meeting sparked a divided response among U.S. politicians. Many Republican lawmakers backed Trump’s actions, emphasizing his leadership in global diplomacy.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime supporter of military aid to Ukraine, remarked, "What I saw in the Oval Office was disrespectful, and I don’t know if we can ever do business with Zelenskyy again."
House Republican leader Steve Scalise praised Trump’s diplomatic approach, writing, "President Trump is fighting for PEACE around the world and putting America First as our best negotiator — he's the only one to bring Russia to the table for a serious and lasting peace agreement with Ukraine."
Republican Representative Andy Biggs took a more aggressive stance, calling Zelenskyy a "dictator" and accusing him of showing "audacity" in disrespecting Trump and Vance during the meeting. "President Trump rightfully showed him the door. This is the leadership America has craved for four years," Biggs stated.
Democratic leaders sharply criticized Trump and Vance, warning that their behavior would only embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of "doing Putin’s dirty work" and vowed that "Senate Democrats will never stop fighting for freedom and democracy."
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries described the meeting as "appalling" and warned that it would "further embolden Vladimir Putin, a brutal dictator." He stressed that the U.S. "must not reward Russian aggression or continue appeasing Putin."
The confrontation between Trump and Zelenskyy has highlighted growing tensions over U.S. foreign policy and its role in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion. European leaders, who have consistently backed Ukraine with military and financial aid, now find themselves in a complex position as Washington’s stance shifts under the Trump administration.
With an upcoming summit in London between European leaders and Zelenskyy, discussions will likely focus on strategies to sustain Ukraine’s resistance while managing the changing dynamics of U.S. involvement.
As the war in Ukraine continues, the global response remains fractured. While Europe stands firm in its support, Trump’s stance has signaled potential challenges ahead for Ukraine’s Western allies.
