Washington: A high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday ended in a tense confrontation, sparking swift and sharp global reactions and deepening divisions among Western allies.
According to Anadolu Agency, the fallout from the meeting was addressed by Zelenskyy on X, where he reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace amid its ongoing conflict with Moscow. He extended gratitude to the United States and its people for their support.
In a show of solidarity with Ukraine, global leaders expressed their unwavering support. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized the significance of Ukraine's fight for democracy and sovereignty, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz assured that Germany and Europe stand with Ukraine in its quest for peace. French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated that Ukraine is fighting for its dignity and independence, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen encouraged Zelenskyy to stay strong.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof all echoed their support for Ukraine, criticizing the rhetoric from the White House. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stressed the importance of Ukraine's right to defend itself, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured Ukraine of its allies' support.
New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon highlighted the defense of international law in Ukraine's struggle, aligning his nation with Kyiv. In contrast, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban praised Trump's stance, expressing support for his position on peace.
White House deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller, praised Trump's handling of the meeting, describing it as a significant moment in American diplomacy. Miller claimed that Americans have suffered economically from funding the war and criticized Zelenskyy's approach.
As the confrontation stirred international debate, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for Western unity, warning that divisions only benefit adversaries. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed their nations' support for Ukraine, framing the conflict as a broader struggle between democracy and authoritarianism.
Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen described the meeting as a setback for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for robust conversations between allies. The global reaction underscores the complexity and sensitivity surrounding the US-Ukraine relationship and the broader geopolitical implications.