World leaders react to explosive Oval Office clash between Trump, Vance, and Zelensky
Leaders from around the world are reacting to the explosive White House meeting that ended negotiations between the US and Ukraine.


World leaders are reacting to the explosive meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that took place earlier on Thursday. Following the meeting, the Trump administration halted negotiations with Ukraine—a setback for European leaders who had hoped the president’s stance on the conflict was shifting.
In response to comments made by the U.S. administration, many EU and NATO members are voicing their support for Ukraine and the war-torn country.
Polish President Donald Tusk, who met with Vice President JD Vance during his visit to Europe last week, was among the first to send a message to the Ukrainian leader on X.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, and many others have made similar posts in the last few hours.
Ucrania, España está contigo.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) February 28, 2025
Ukraine, Spain stands with you.
Україно, Іспанія з тобою. 🇺🇦 🇪🇸
Ukraine, you'll never walk alone.
— Gitanas Nausėda (@GitanasNauseda) February 28, 2025
Fredierch Metz, who is expected to become Germany’s next chancellor after his party came out as the most-voted force in recent elections, wrote: “Dear Volodymyr, we stand with #Ukraine in good and in testing times. We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war."
Dear Volodymyr @zelenskyyua, we stand with #Ukraine in good and in testing times. We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war. (FM)
— Friedrich Merz (@_FriedrichMerz) February 28, 2025
However, not all leaders shared these sentiments in their messages. A close ally of Donald Trump, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, left the Ukrainian leader out of his response. “Strong men make peace, weak men make war,” said Orbán in his post on X, congratulating Trump, and saying he “stood bravely for peace.”
Strong men make peace, weak men make war.
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) February 28, 2025
Today President @realDonaldTrump stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr. President!
Some leaders warn of the implications of the disastrous meeting
The message of French political leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon struck a different tone. Mélenchon said the meeting was an unveiling of the diplomatic tactics the US administration has used when the media is not present. Describing the meeting as “humiliating” for Zelenskyy, the French leader said, “Europeans are discovering how the U.S. has been treating South America and its leaders for a century.“
En humiliant Zelensky, Trump prouve qu'il n'a rien à faire du soi-disant accord avec Macron. Les européens découvrent comment les USA traitent l'Amérique du Sud et ses dirigeants depuis un siècle. Les atlantistes européens sont les coupables d'une capitulation sans condition sans…
— Jean-Luc Mélenchon (@JLMelenchon) February 28, 2025
In a follow-up post, Mélenchon, added that Zelenskyy “was courageous‚“ describing his confidence as the only barrier between Europe’s global ”status” being downgraded to “a simple colony of the USA.” 1,978.77
En toute hypothèse Zelensky a été courageux. Sans son aplomb, notre continent afficherait un statut de simple colonie des USA dont les chefs vont se taper dans le dos avec leur copain Trump.
— Jean-Luc Mélenchon (@JLMelenchon) February 28, 2025
European Union leaders show strong support for Ukraine
The two highest-ranking leaders in the European Union send their support.
Ваша гідність вшановує хоробрість українського народу.
— António Costa (@eucopresident) February 28, 2025
Будьте сильним, будьте сміливим, будьте безстрашним. Ви ніколи не будете самотнім, дорогий Президенте @ZelenskyyUa.
Ми продовжимо працювати з Вами заради справедливого і сталого миру.
Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 28, 2025
Be strong, be brave, be fearless.
You are never alone, dear President @ZelenskyyUa.
We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.
Negotiations have been called off between the Trump administration and Ukraine. However, talks between Russian and US diplomatic teams are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
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