Global Leaders React After Trump and Vance Berate Zelensky

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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and the President of the United States Donald Trump in Washington, DC ended abruptly after the two leaders clashed in a heated debate over the Russian-Ukrainian war, Al Jazeera reported.

In the Oval Office on Friday, February 28, 2025, Trump and his deputy, JD Vance, berated Zelenskyy for being "disrespectful" and ungrateful to the US for its support.

“You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people,” Trump shouted. “You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country."

Zelenskyy, who met with Trump to persuade him not to side with President Vladimir Putin of Russia and to discuss the possibility of US security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, told Trump that"there would be “no compromises with a killer on our territory”.

As the Ukrainian leader left the White House shortly after the verbal clash, Trump used his own social media platform, Truth Social, to write that Zelenskyy was not "ready to make peace if America is involved".

“He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace,” he added.

Zelensky posted a thank-you message to the US for its support on X after the meeting.

“Thank you POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that,” he wrote.

This clash prompted European leaders to express their shock and immediate responses, as quoted by Al Jazeera:

Deputy Head of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev

Dmitry Medvedev, former President of Russia, wrote on Telegram that Trump had delivered a "strong slap on Ukraine's wrist".

“For the first time, Trump told the cocaine clown the truth to his face: The Kyiv regime is playing with the Third World War. And the ungrateful pig received a strong slap on the wrist from the owners of the pigsty. This is useful. But it’s not enough – we must stop military aid to the Nazi machine,” said Medvedev, a former Russian president.

EU Chief Foreign Policy Officer, Kaja Kallas

“Ukraine is Europe! We stand by Ukraine,” Kallas said in a social media post.

“We will step up our support to Ukraine so that they can continue to fight back [against] the aggressor,” she added. “Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge.”

French President Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking to reporters in Portugal, asserted that Russia is the "aggressor" in the Ukraine war, while Ukrainians are the ones being "attacked."

“I think we were all right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago, and to continue to do so. We, that is the United States of America, the Europeans, the Canadians, the Japanese and many others,” he said.

“And we must thank all those who have helped and respect those who have been fighting since the beginning. Because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, their children and the security of Europe. These are simple things, but they’re good to remember at times like these, that’s all,” Macron added.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

“Russia illegally and unjustifiably invaded Ukraine. For three years now, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience. Their fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all,” Trudeau wrote on X, as quoted by Reuters.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

Scholz gave strong support to Zelenskyy. “No one wants peace more than the citizens of Ukraine! That is why we are jointly seeking the path to a lasting and just peace,” he said. he said.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere

Stoere condemned the events at the White House as "serious and disheartening".

“Ukraine still needs the US’s support, and Ukraine’s security and future are also important to the US and to Europe.

“President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has strong support in Ukraine, broad support in Europe, and he has led his people through a very demanding and brutal time, under attack from Russia. That Trump accuses Zelenskyy of gambling with World War III is deeply unreasonable and a statement I distance myself from,” he told TV2 Norway.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna wrote on X that the only obstacle to peace is "the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin to continue his aggressive war".

“If Russia stops fighting, there will be no war. If Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no Ukraine. Estonia’s support to Ukraine remains unwavering. Time for Europe to step up,” Tsahkna wrote.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk

“Dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone,” Tusk posted on X.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez

“Ukraine, Spain stands with you,” Sanchez wrote on X as he expressed solidarity with Ukraine.

Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini

“Aim for PEACE, stop this war! Come on @realDonaldTrump," Salvini wrote on X.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson

“Sweden stands with Ukraine. You are not only fighting for your freedom but also for all of Europe’s. Slava Ukraini!” he wrote on X.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen

In a joint statement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola conveyed to Zelenskyy: “Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless."