European leaders rally behind Zelensky following White House incident
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was due to sign a mineral contract at the white house, left the Oval Office without reaching an agreement when former US President Donald Trump reportedly informed him he was not “ready” for peace with Russia.
In response, European allies reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine. “You are not alone,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated.
Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister who recently met with Trump at the White House, said he had spoken to both leaders following the incident and retained unwavering support for Ukraine.
On Sunday, representatives from more than a dozen European countries will gather in London for a summit focused on securing a just and enduring peace in Ukraine, according to Downing Street.
The meeting will also address concerns over European defense cooperation, amid uncertainty regarding continued U.S. support for NATO.
Zelensky had spoken to French President Emmanuel Macron and to European Council President António Costa following his scathing exchange with Trump at the White House. Macron reiterated France’s position on Ukraine.
“There is an aggressor, which is Russia, and an attacked people, which is Ukraine”, Macron said.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for stronger leadership in the international community, while NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also reaffirmed the alliance’s support.
The tense exchange with Trump boosted Zelensky’s backing among many at home.
Zelensky is due in the UK on Sunday as Sir Keir hosts a summit of European leaders to discuss an end to the war between Ukraine and Russia.
