‘Zelenskyy is never alone’: World reacts to heated exchange between Trump, Ukrainian Prez
A tense Oval Office meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance has ignited strong reactions from world leaders and US lawmakers. The abrupt end to the meeting has raised concerns about the future of US-Ukraine relations.
United States
US lawmakers criticised the handling of the meeting, with Senate Democrats accusing Trump and Vance of siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned their stance, saying, “Trump and Vance are doing Putin’s dirty work. Senate Democrats will never stop fighting for freedom and democracy.”
Trump and Vance are doing Putin’s dirty work.
Senate Democrats will never stop fighting for freedom and democracy. https://t.co/HC71aoXXuf
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) February 28, 2025
Republican Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska also disapproved of the meeting’s outcome, calling it “a bad day for America’s foreign policy.” Democratic lawmakers were equally critical, with one House representative declaring, “It was a great day for Vladimir Putin. President Trump and VP Vance are the best lackey’s he’s ever had.”
Bacon: “A bad day for America’s foreign policy. Ukraine wants independence, free markets and rule of law. It wants to be part of the West. Russia hates us and our Western values. We should be clear that we stand for freedom.” https://t.co/U1M23nMtJz
— Rep. Don Bacon 🇺🇸✈️🏍️⭐️🎖️ (@RepDonBacon) February 28, 2025
Russia
In contrast, Russian officials mocked Zelenskyy. Russia’s foreign ministry spokeswoman remarked that it was “a miracle of restraint” that Trump and Vance did not resort to physical aggression. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev praised the incident on social media, describing it as “a proper slap down in the Oval Office,” while referring to Zelenskyy as a “cocaine clown.” Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev called the exchange “historic”.
The insolent pig finally got a proper slap down in the Oval Office. And @realDonaldTrump is right: The Kiev regime is "gambling with WWIII."
— Dmitry Medvedev (@MedvedevRussiaE) February 28, 2025
Ukraine
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha defended Zelenskyy, praising his “bravery and strength to stand up for what is right.” He stated that Zelenskyy “stands up for Ukraine and the goal of a just and lasting peace.”
European leaders react
France
French President Emmanuel Macron said that Russia is the aggressor, stating, “We must respect those who have been fighting since the beginning.” He reaffirmed international support for Ukraine, saying, “We were all right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago, and we must continue to do so.”
Spain
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed solidarity with Ukraine in multiple languages, posting: “Ucrania, España está contigo. Ukraine, Spain stands with you. Україно, Іспанія з тобою."
Germany
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz assured “nobody wants peace more than the citizens of Ukraine! That is why we are working together for a lasting and just peace. Ukraine can rely on Germany—and on Europe.” Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said, “We must never confuse the aggressor and the victim in this terrible war.”
Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians do. Therefore we are working on a common path to a lasting and just peace. Ukraine can rely on Germany – and on Europe.
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) February 28, 2025
Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for an urgent summit between the United States, Europe, and their allies to address the Ukraine conflict. “A summit without delay is needed to discuss how we intend to tackle today’s major challenges, starting with Ukraine,” she said.
Britain
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed support for Ukraine, with a Downing Street spokesperson confirming that he spoke to both Trump and Zelenskyy following the White House meeting. “He is doing all he can do to find a path forward to a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine,” the spokesperson said.
Hungary
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban took a different stance, praising Trump for “bravely standing for peace” and asserting that “strong men make peace, weak men make war.”
Strong men make peace, weak men make war.
Today President @realDonaldTrump stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr. President!
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) February 28, 2025
Other European leaders
Leaders from Poland, Norway, Sweden, Lithuania, Ireland, the Czech Republic, and Latvia have also reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine.
European Union
The European Union (EU) voiced support for Ukraine, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyan and European Council President Antonia Costa assuring Zelenskyy that he is “never alone.” In a joint statement, they declared, “Be strong, be brave, be fearless. 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 @ZelenskyyUa
Ми продовжимо працювати з Вами заради справедливого і сталого миру.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 28, 2025
Meanwhile, the EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas questioned the US’s role in transatlantic leadership, suggesting that “today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge.”
