The clash occurred in the Oval Office, where Trump accused Zelenskyy of being ‘disrespectful’, saying, “He is not ready for peace if America is involved because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations”.
Trump also stated that Zelenskyy “disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office” and “he [Zelenskyy] can come back when he is ready for peace.”
The incident has sparked widespread reactions from global leaders, with many expressing support for Zelenskyy and Ukraine. Check out some of the political reactions from across the world.
France
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasised that Russia is the aggressor in its war with Ukraine and that supporting Ukraine was the right move three years ago and remains so today.
“There is an aggressor, which is Russia. There is an aggressed people which is Ukraine. We were all right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago and to continue to do so,” Macron told reporters.
Referring to Trump’s accusations against Zelenskyy, he added that “if anyone is playing at World War III, it’s Vladimir Putin”.
Germany
Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has reaffirmed his support for Ukraine.
In an X post, Merz said, “We must never confuse the aggressor and the victim in this terrible war.”
The outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz also voiced support for Ukraine, as did Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who added that Kyiv’s “quest for peace & security is ours”.
European Union
European Union chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa assured Zelenskyy that he was ‘never alone’ and pledged to continue working with him for a just and lasting peace.
In a joint statement on social media, the European Commission and Council Presidents wrote, “Be strong, be brave, be fearless. We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.”
Top diplomat Kaja Kallas has also voiced her support for Ukraine, saying, “Ukraine is Europe! We stand by Ukraine.”
In a post on X, she wrote, “We will step up our support to Ukraine so that they can continue to fight back the aggressor. Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge.”
Hungary
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban thanked President Trump for standing ‘bravely for peace’.
On X, he wrote, “Strong men make peace, weak men make war. Today, President Donald Trump stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr. President!”
Russia
Russian officials have weighed in on the recent spat between Trump and Zelenskyy.
Dmitry Medvedev, former president and current deputy chairman of Russia’s security council, praised Trump for telling the truth, referring to Zelenskyy as a ‘cocaine clown’. “For the first time, Trump told the truth to the cocaine clown’s face,” Medvedev added.
Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged the United States, Europe and their allies to gather immediately to discuss the Ukraine war. “A summit without delay is needed… to talk frankly about how we intend to tackle today’s major challenges, starting with Ukraine, which together we have defended in recent years,” she added.
Spain
Spain has also reiterated its unwavering support for Ukraine, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declaring, “Ukraine, Spain stands with you,” on X.
Poland
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also assured Ukrainians of Poland’s support, stating, “Dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone” in a post on X addressed to President Zelenskyy.
Netherlands
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has reaffirmed the Netherlands’ unwavering support for Ukraine, stating that their support “remains undiminished. Especially now.” “We want lasting peace and an end to the war of aggression that Russia has started,” he wrote on X.
Ukraine
Prime Minister Denys Shmygal stated that Zelenskyy was ‘right’ as “peace without guarantees is not possible”. On X, Shmygal wrote, “Cease-fire without guarantees is the way to Russian occupation of the entire European continent.” Army Chief Oleksandr Syrsky also stepped out, emphasising that the armed forces stood behind Zelenskyy while appealing for unity.
US Democrats
Senate Democrats accuse Trump and JD Vance, of siding with Putin. “Trump and Vance are doing Putin’s dirty work,” Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on social media.
Canada
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also voiced his support for Ukraine, stating that the country’s fight against Russia is a defence of democracy that concerns everyone.
In a post on X, he wrote, “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.”
