Kumar Bahukhandi
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky
Following Zelensky’s meeting with US President Donald Trump, European leaders expressed their support for Ukraine, issuing statements reaffirming their commitment to Kiev.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly thanked 31 world leaders for their support after a tense meeting with former US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Friday’s meeting in the US was expected to strengthen US-Ukraine relations but instead produced diplomatic results. Trump reportedly criticised Zelensky for his approach to receiving aid.
After the meeting, European leaders expressed their support for Ukraine, issuing statements reaffirming their commitment to Kiev. In a direct response to criticism from US Vice President JD Vance, Zelensky took to social media to personally thank every leader who stood with Ukraine.
Zelensky’s timeline on social media platform X was filled with messages of support from European allies and other countries around the world. In response to the support from all the leaders, he wrote, “Thank you for your support.”
Slovenia, Belgium, Ireland, Austria, Canada, Romania, Croatia, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, Portugal, Sweden, Germany, Norway, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Moldova, Spain, Poland, UK and EU bloc have posted on social media in support of Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on social media, “Respect to those who have been fighting from the beginning. Because they are fighting for their dignity, their freedom, their children and the security of Europe.” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk was among the first to show his support for Zelensky and Ukraine on social media, telling him, “You are not alone.”
Earlier, Trump had accused Zelensky of disrespecting the United States. The two leaders were expected to reach an agreement on the exploitation of Ukraine’s mineral resources, but Zelensky left the White House without signing the agreement. Trump also said that Zelensky is not ready for peace.
‘Respect the President but no apology’
When asked if he should apologize to President Trump, he replied, ‘No, I respect the President. I also respect the people of America. I don’t think we have done anything wrong.’
At the same time, regarding the growing closeness between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent days, Zelensky said, ‘I want him to be in the middle (Trump). I also want him to be on our side.’ Can his and Trump’s relationship improve after Friday’s heated debate? Zelensky replied, ‘Yes, of course.
