Trump-Zelensky shouting match takes world leaders aback

PARIS, MARCH 2:European leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after his clash with Donald Trump raised global concerns about efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

Trump criticized Zelensky last Friday, accusing him of ingratitude and claiming he was "not ready for peace." He also alleged that the Ukrainian leader had "disrespected" the U.S. in the "cherished Oval Office."

Global Reactions

European Union: ‘The World Needs a New Leader’

EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa assured Zelensky he was "never alone," pledging continued support for a "just and lasting peace."
Top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas questioned U.S. leadership in the transatlantic alliance, writing, "The free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take on this challenge."

France: 'Russia is the Aggressor'

French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated that Russia was the aggressor, stating, "There is an aggressor—Russia—and a victim—Ukraine." He defended continued support for Kyiv, adding, "If anyone is playing at World War III, it's Vladimir Putin."

Germany: 'Do Not Confuse the Aggressor and the Victim'

Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, reaffirmed support for Ukraine, stressing, "We must never confuse the aggressor and the victim." Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock echoed this stance.

Hungary: 'Trump Stood for Peace'

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of Trump and Putin, praised Trump’s stance, saying, "Strong men make peace, weak men make war."

Italy: Calls for Urgent Summit

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged allies to convene an urgent summit to discuss Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a united strategy.

Netherlands: 'Undiminished Support'

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof reaffirmed, "Dutch support for Ukraine remains undiminished—especially now."

Poland: 'Ukraine is Not Alone'

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reassured Ukrainians, stating, "Dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone."

Spain: 'We Stand with Ukraine'

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reaffirmed Spain’s backing for Ukraine, having pledged €1 billion in aid during a visit to Kyiv.

Russia: ‘Cocaine Clown’ Zelensky

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked Zelensky, calling him a "cocaine clown." Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev labeled the Trump-Zelensky spat "historic."

UK: 'Unwavering Support for Ukraine'

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged "unwavering support" for Ukraine, engaging in discussions with both Trump and Zelensky to seek a path toward lasting peace.

Ukraine: 'Peace Without Guarantees is Impossible'

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal defended Zelensky, stating, "Ceasefire without guarantees leads to Russian occupation of all of Europe." Army chief Oleksandr Syrsky called for national unity.

U.S. Democrats: 'Trump is Doing Putin’s Work'

Senate Democrats accused Trump and Vice President JD Vance of siding with Putin. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer posted, "Trump and Vance are doing Putin's dirty work."

Other Ukrainian Allies

Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine, condemning Russia’s aggression and emphasizing their commitment to a just and lasting peace.

AFP