European allies of Ukraine have voiced strong support for President Volodymyr Zelensky following his tense confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Trump reportedly told Zelensky that he could return to Washington when he was ready to negotiate peace with Russia, leaving the Ukrainian leader without a long-anticipated mineral deal.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured Zelensky, stating, “You are not alone.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was in Washington earlier this week, reaffirmed the UK’s “unwavering support” for Ukraine. Zelensky personally responded to messages from over 30 European leaders, thanking them for their backing.
A European summit in London on Sunday, hosted by Starmer, will focus on securing “a just and lasting peace” for Ukraine and strengthening European defense cooperation amid uncertainty over U.S. commitments to NATO.
French President Emmanuel Macron signaled openness to discussions on nuclear deterrence in response to calls from German election winner Friedrich Merz, who has urged Europe to pursue defense independence from the U.S. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who recently spoke with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, is also set to attend.
Trump’s shift in Ukraine policy has shaken transatlantic relations. During Friday’s White House meeting, Trump accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War III” and being ungrateful for U.S. aid. Reports suggest Trump’s team asked Zelensky to leave the White House after the heated exchange.
Meanwhile, Moscow welcomed the fallout, with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev calling Zelensky a “pig” who received “a deserved slap.” The Russian Foreign Ministry reiterated its goal of Ukraine’s “demilitarization” and the annexation of occupied territories.
