In a show of solidarity, 33 world leaders have pledged their support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after a highly charged meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, which ended in a deadlock. The leaders also condemned Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The meeting between Zelensky and Trump took place in the Oval Office on Friday, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance also present. Tensions flared as the two leaders clashed over the future of Ukraine’s conflict with Russia, particularly around a controversial minerals deal that would give the U.S. significant access to Ukraine’s rare earth resources in exchange for continued American support. Zelensky insisted that any agreement must include genuine security guarantees for Ukraine, a demand Trump resisted.
Things took a more personal turn when, during a heated press conference, Vance accused Zelensky of being “disrespectful,” asking pointedly, “Have you said ‘thank you’ once?” The confrontation ended abruptly with Zelensky and his delegation escorted out of the White House.
In the aftermath, Zelensky expressed his gratitude on social media, thanking Trump, the U.S. Congress, and the American people for their continued support. “Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that,” Zelensky wrote.
In an interview with Fox News, Zelensky was asked whether he would apologize to Trump. While he did not provide details, he acknowledged the fallout, saying it was “not good for both sides.” He further explained, “I’m not sure that we did something bad,” and reiterated Ukraine’s stance, saying, “I cannot change the Ukrainian attitude towards Russia. They are killers for us.”
Despite the heated exchange, Zelensky expressed optimism about his relationship with Trump moving forward, confirming that it could still be repaired.
The following day, Zelensky again posted on social media, emphasizing the importance of global support for Ukraine. “It is very important for us that Ukraine is heard and that no one forgets about it, neither during the war nor after. It is important for people in Ukraine to know that they are not alone, that their interests are represented in every country, in every corner of the world.”
In response to the tensions, leaders from across the globe took to social media to show their backing for Ukraine and condemn Russia’s aggression.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described Russia’s invasion as “illegal and unjustifiable” and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to Ukraine’s fight for democracy and sovereignty. “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 stated.
French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed strong support for Ukraine, defending the sanctions imposed on Russia and lauding Ukraine’s fight for dignity and independence. “They are fighting for their dignity, their independence, for their children, and for the security of Europe,” Macron wrote.
Several other European leaders, including Slovenian President Nataša Musar, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, and Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, echoed similar support for Ukraine, condemning Russia’s aggression and reaffirming Europe’s backing for Ukraine’s efforts.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb emphasized that Ukraine’s battle is not just for sovereignty, but for its very existence as a nation. “Ukraine is fighting not only for her independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” he wrote.
Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic and Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová also voiced strong support, with Čaputová stating, “The people of Ukraine are defending their right to live. It’s that simple. They deserve all the support they can get.”
The chorus of international support highlights the growing global consensus in favor of Ukraine’s sovereignty and its ongoing fight against Russian aggression.
