"There is one aggressor - this is Russia. And there is one people who are being attacked - this is Ukraine." First reactions after the unprecedented clash in the White House, after which Trump and Zelensky prematurely ended their meeting.
After an unprecedented clash in the White House, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky prematurely ended their meeting. Before that, the American president verbally attacked his Ukrainian counterpart, even accusing him of risking provoking World War III.
"Ukraine can count on our unwavering support"
A wave of indignant reactions immediately followed. "There is one aggressor - this is Russia. And there is a people who are under attack - it is Ukraine", said French President Emmanuel Macron.
The reactions from Germany were not long in coming. Analene Berbock, German Foreign Minister, wrote on the X platform: "Ukraine is not alone. Together with our European allies, Germany stands firmly on the side of Ukraine - and against Russian aggression. Ukraine can count on the unwavering support of Germany and Europe". And the likely future Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz added: "We support Ukraine in good times and in difficult times. We must never confuse the aggressor and the victim in this terrible war".
Other European leaders also expressed their solidarity with Ukraine. "Dear Volodymyr Zelensky, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone", assured Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. "Ukraine, Spain is with you", said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured Zelensky that she would continue to work for a just peace. "We will continue to work with you for a just and lasting peace", she wrote on the X platform and addressed the Ukrainian president with the following words: "You are never alone. Be strong, be brave, be fearless".
"Catastrophic mistake"
"Trump and Vance are doing Putin's dirty work. Senate Democrats will never stop fighting for freedom and democracy," said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.
And John Bolton, Trump's former national security adviser, warned: "Trump and Vance sided with Russia in the Russian-Ukrainian war. This is a catastrophic mistake for America's national security.".