In light of recent tensions following a highly charged meeting at the White House involving U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine. This show of solidarity comes amid growing discord across the Atlantic.
European leaders were already uneasy due to Vance’s recent remarks at the Munich Security Conference, where he criticized the state of democracy in Europe. Now, in response to these developments, prime ministers and presidents across Europe are urgently convening to address security concerns. In an effort to further strategize around Ukraine’s situation, they have scheduled an emergency summit in London on Sunday, led by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This gathering will include Zelenskyy and over a dozen other European leaders, aiming to reinforce support for Ukraine.
Starmer, who spoke with both Trump and Zelenskyy, reiterated his commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and peace efforts, as confirmed in an official statement from his office.
European remarks on Friday largely sidestepped direct mentions of Trump and Vance, focusing instead on expressing unwavering support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy shared these supportive messages on social media, hinting at frustration with the U.S. administration’s approach.
The Washington meeting was particularly tense, with Vance critiquing Zelenskyy for what he deemed as a lack of gratitude. During the exchange, Zelenskyy emphatically expressed his appreciation multiple times, but the meeting concluded abruptly with Trump canceling a proposed minerals deal meant to aid Ukraine. Zelenskyy departed with visible displeasure, consented by the White House to leave.
In the ensuing diplomatic activity, Zelenskyy quickly engaged with other European leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, all of whom assured him of their continued support. This information was relayed by a senior Ukrainian official who wished to remain anonymous.
Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni advocated for an urgent summit involving both American and European leaders to address shared security challenges, particularly regarding Ukraine. She emphasized the necessity for Western unity in confronting common threats.
European responses on social media included messages from EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Friedrich Merz, the presumptive future Chancellor of Germany. They voiced firm backing for Ukraine, recognizing the broader implications of the conflict on Europe.
Merz’s party’s recent victory in Germany’s elections promises strengthened European unity against challenges from both Russia and the U.S. Conversely, the far-right Alternative for Germany party, led by Alice Weidel, celebrated Trump’s stance, opposing Merkel’s policies on sanctions against Russia.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán lauded Trump’s handling of the meeting, framing it as a push for peace, and casting Zelenskyy in a less favorable light. Orbán has consistently supported Kremlin policies and publicly criticized Ukraine.
In Estonia, which shares a border with Russia, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna underscored that the barrier to peace is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing aggression. He urged Europe to mobilize its resources to support Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Other European leaders, including Sweden’s Ulf Kristersson, stressed the broader stakes of Ukraine’s struggle, underscoring its significance for European freedom. Nations from across the continent, including Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland, among others, have declared their support for Ukraine in light of these challenges.
