European leaders show support for Ukraine after Oval Office talks explode

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed support for Ukraine following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's dispute with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance in the Oval Office.

Tusk shared his message on the social media platform X.

“Dear Volodymyr Zelenskyy, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone,” the Polish Prime Minister assured.

After a clash between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Russia is the aggressor and Ukrainians are the victims of aggression.

"I think we were all right to help Ukraine and to sanction Russia three years ago and to continue to do so. And when I say we, I mean the United States of America, the Europeans, the Canadians, the Japanese and many others," he told reporters in Portugal. "We must thank all those who helped and we must respect those who have been fighting since the beginning because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, for their children and for the security of Europe," Emmanuel Macron continued. "These are simple things but they are good to remember in these moments."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez shared a message on X expressing Spain's support for Ukraine.

“Ukraine, Spain stands with you,” he wrote.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen addressed Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukrainian.

“Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You will never be alone, dear President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We will continue to work with you for a just and sustainable peace,” she wrote.

The head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, said that today “it became clear that the free world needs a new leader.”

"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," she wrote.

U.S. Senator Adam Schiff of California weighed in on the situation in Washington, stating:

“A hero and a coward are meeting in the Oval Office today. And when the meeting is over, the hero will return home to Ukraine,” he wrote.

Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrats' leader in the chamber, on X: "Trump and Vance are doing Putin’s dirty work. Senate Democrats will never stop fighting for freedom and democracy."

Representative Hakeem Jefffies, the highest-ranking Democrat in the House: "Today’s White House meeting with the President of Ukraine was appalling and will only serve to further embolden Vladimir Putin, a brutal dictator. The United States must not reward Russian aggression and continue to appease Putin."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed his support for Ukraine, the BBC reports. Starmer said he "retains unwavering support for Ukraine," in a statement from 10 Downing Street.

Friedrich Merz, who is likely to become Germany's new chancellor, wrote on X: "We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war."

Outgoing German leader Olaf Scholz emphasized that "no one wants peace more than Ukraine, adding that Kyiv can fully rely on Berlin and Europe".

Johann Wadephul, Deputy Leader of Germany’s CDU party, expressed his shock at the incident, saying: "The scenes from the White House are shocking. How can you stab the president of an invaded country in the back like that? Free Europe will not betray Ukraine."

• On Friday, February 28, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Washington, D.C., for a working visit. 
• During a press conference in Washington, a dispute arose between Trump, Zelenskyy, and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.