Ukraine’s European allies, set to meet in London on Sunday, have voiced strong support for President Volodymyr Zelensky following a tense altercation with US President Donald Trump, who accused Zelensky of being “unprepared” for peace talks with Russia.
The confrontation on Friday at the White House saw Zelensky leaving without signing a long-anticipated mineral deal, shocking European leaders. Many immediately came to his defense, offering assurances of continued support.
“You are not alone,” said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, following his own White House visit, emphasized the UK’s “unwavering support” for Ukraine, having spoken to both Trump and Zelensky after the incident.
The summit in London, bringing together representatives from over a dozen European nations, is set to focus on reinforcing the push for a “just and enduring peace” in Ukraine and strengthening Europe’s defense cooperation amidst uncertainties over continued US backing for NATO.
French President Emmanuel Macron, responding to a request from Germany’s future leader Friedrich Merz, has also expressed readiness to discuss a potential European nuclear deterrent, highlighting concerns over Europe’s reliance on the US for defense.
Trump’s actions have shaken NATO allies, especially following his recent outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a bid to broker a deal on Ukraine.
Shouting Match at the White House
Tensions escalated in the Oval Office when Trump and Vice President JD Vance clashed with Zelensky, accusing him of ingratitude and rejecting proposed terms for a ceasefire. The heated exchange culminated with Trump telling Zelensky, “You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out,” adding, “If we’re out, you’ll fight it out, and I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.”
Zelensky, visibly uncomfortable, left shortly after the outburst, while Trump took to social media stating, “He can come back when he is ready for peace.”
US media outlets reported that senior officials instructed Zelensky to leave. Trump later criticized Zelensky for “overplaying his hand” and insisted he should accept a ceasefire. Zelensky, speaking to Fox News, expressed his disappointment over the public nature of the exchange but maintained he had nothing to apologize for.
Russian Reaction and Domestic US Fallout
Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev mocked Zelensky, calling him an “insolent pig” following the fallout, while Trump’s Republican Party echoed the Russian stance, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling for Zelensky to apologize for wasting their time. On the other hand, Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer accused Trump and Vance of “doing Putin’s dirty work.”
Trump’s abrupt shift in policy, emphasizing compromises between Ukraine and Russia, alarmed both Kyiv and European allies. Zelensky firmly rejected any compromises with Russia, referring to the Kremlin as a “killer” occupying Ukrainian territory. When Vance interrupted, calling Zelensky “disrespectful,” the exchange quickly escalated into a shouting match.
Growing Concern Over US Policy
Trump’s stance, advocating for dialogue with Putin and refraining from condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has further rattled European allies. Trump revealed that he had spoken to Putin on multiple occasions, expressing trust in the Russian president to honor a ceasefire. Trump’s comments have raised doubts about the future of US support for Ukraine, leaving Zelensky questioning the US president’s commitment to the Ukrainian cause.
As Russia continues its assault on Ukraine, Russian troops have reportedly launched attacks from the Kursk region, near areas recently reclaimed by Ukrainian forces.
