European leaders have publicly reiterated their support for Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following a heated exchange between the Ukrainian leader and US President Donald Trump in Washington.
The incident, which resulted in Zelenskyy leaving the White House prematurely, has sparked international reactions, with EU leaders reaffirming their commitment to Kyiv.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa both issued identical statements in Ukrainian, expressing solidarity with Zelenskyy. Addressing the Ukrainian leader directly, they stated:
“Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You will never be alone, dear President. We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.”
Ваша гідність вшановує хоробрість українського народу.
Будьте сильним, будьте сміливим, будьте безстрашним.
Ви ніколи не будете самотнім, дорогий Президенте @ZelenskyyUaМи продовжимо працювати з Вами заради справедливого і сталого миру.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 28, 2025
Beyond the EU institutions, several European heads of state and government also voiced their backing for Ukraine. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda declared, “Ukraine, you will never be alone.”
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson reinforced his country’s commitment, stating, “Sweden supports Ukraine. You are fighting not only for your freedom but for the freedom of all of Europe. Glory to Ukraine!”
Moldovan President Maia Sandu was equally direct, stating that “Russia invaded Ukraine and is the aggressor,” while adding, “Ukraine is defending its freedom – and ours. We stand with Ukraine.”
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala also underlined his country’s stance, stating, “The Czech Republic supports Ukraine and stands with the free world.”
Tensions Between Kyiv and Washington
The diplomatic fallout follows a confrontation in the White House, where Trump reportedly accused Zelenskyy of being unwilling to negotiate peace with Russia. The US president later suggested that the Ukrainian leader had “disrespected” the United States and was “not ready for peace.”
The rift between Kyiv and Washington has raised concerns over future US support for Ukraine. However, European leaders have moved swiftly to counter any perception of weakening Western backing for Kyiv. French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez have all publicly reaffirmed their governments’ continued assistance to Ukraine.
Europe’s Role in Ukraine’s Defence
The latest show of European solidarity highlights the EU’s growing role as a key pillar of Ukraine’s defence strategy. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the bloc has provided military, financial, and humanitarian aid while working to bolster Ukraine’s integration into European structures.
With uncertainty surrounding the direction of US policy under Trump, European leaders appear determined to present a united front. The strong statements from EU officials and national leaders indicate that, regardless of shifts in Washington, European support for Ukraine remains firm.
As the war enters its fourth year, Kyiv is likely to lean increasingly on its European partners, particularly as discussions continue on further military assistance and new sanctions against Russia. European leaders are expected to reinforce this position at upcoming EU summits, where Ukraine’s security and economic resilience will remain high on the agenda.
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US-Ukraine Talks Collapse as Zelenskyy Leaves White House Without Agreement
