The fierce verbal clash between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky last night at the White House very quickly caused numerous reactions around the world, with Moscow welcoming this “historic“ moment, and Western countries reaffirming their solidarity with Ukraine.
Agence France-Presse summarizes the main reactions, quoted by BTA.
EU
The head of European diplomacy Kaia Kallas said that it has become clear that “the free world needs a new leader“.
“Ukraine is Europe. We stand behind Ukraine," Kalas wrote on social media.
“We will increase our support for Ukraine so that Ukrainians can resist the aggressor,“ she added.
“Today it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It is up to us Europeans to meet this challenge“.
RUSSIA
“A historic moment“, called the clash Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and one of the Russian negotiators in the Russian-American talks held on February 18 in Saudi Arabia.
FRANCE
“There is one aggressor, which is Russia, and one people, which is the victim of aggression, that of Ukraine“, said French President Emmanuel Macron in Porto (Portugal), where he was ending his state visit.
“I think we were right to help Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia three years ago and we will continue to do so“, he added.
“We must "to thank all those who helped and to respect those who have been fighting since the beginning of the war, because they are fighting for their dignity, for their independence, for their children and for the security of Europe," Macron said, adding: "These are simple things, but it is good to remember them in such moments."
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called on Europeans to "take action" to guarantee "their collective security" and support Ukraine.
GERMANY
"Germany and our European allies stand united on the side of Ukraine and against Russian aggression. Ukraine can count on the unwavering support of Germany, Europe and beyond," German Foreign Minister Analene Berbock wrote on the social networks "Ex" and “Bluesky“.
POLAND
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured the Ukrainian president and his compatriots that “they are not alone“ in a message published shortly after the historic verbal clash between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Dear Zelensky, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone“, Donald Tusk wrote on the social network “Ex“ minutes after President Zelensky left the White House.
SPAIN
“Ukraine, Spain is with you“, wrote Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
The Spanish socialist leader, who has always been an active supporter of Ukraine since Russia invaded the country three years ago, promised to publish on Monday a new plan for military aid to Kiev this year worth one billion euros.
UKRAINE
“Peace without guarantees is not possible“, said Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. “President Zelensky is right. “A ceasefire without guarantees is a path to the occupation of the entire European continent by Russia,“ added Shmygal.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for an “immediate summit“ between Europe and the US after the fierce verbal clash between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
Meloni called on transatlantic allies to remain united.
“Any division of the West makes us all weaker and benefits those who want to lead to the collapse of our civilization“, she said in a statement, adding: “Dividedness will benefit no one.“
Meloni said there should be an open discussion about “how we want to tackle the main challenges of today, starting with Ukraine“.
The right-wing Italian prime minister is known for her closeness to Trump, who has repeatedly praised her. Meloni has also visited him twice in the past few weeks.