No fewer than thirty-three world leaders have declared support for President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, following a tense meeting between him and United States President Donald Trump.
The world leaders also criticized Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The meeting between Zelensky and Trump in the Oval Office on Friday, which also included US Vice President JD Vance, ended in a deadlock.
The meeting’s discussions turned heated as the two leaders debated the future of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Tensions escalated when the leaders clashed over a minerals deal that would grant the US extensive access to Ukraine’s rare earth resources in exchange for Washington’s continued support for Kyiv in its fight against Russia.
Zelensky demanded genuine security guarantees for the country in any agreement, but Trump refused.
The press conference became confrontational when Vance accused Zelensky of being “disrespectful,” asking, “Have you said ‘thank you’ once?”
The meeting ended abruptly, with Zelensky and his delegation being escorted out of the White House. Zelensky later expressed gratitude to Trump, the US Congress, and X.
“Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that,” he wrote.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Zelensky was asked if he would apologize to Trump. While he declined to elaborate, he acknowledged the public fallout, saying it was “not good for both sides.”
“I’m not sure that we did something bad,” he added. “I cannot change the Ukrainian attitude towards Russia. They are killers for us.”
However, when asked if his relationship with Trump could still be saved, Zelensky responded affirmatively.
On Saturday, he made another posting to social media. He wrote, “It is very important for us that Ukraine is heard and that no one forgets about it, neither during the war nor after. It is important for people in Ukraine to know that they are not alone, that their interests are represented in every country, in every corner of the world.”
Following the incident, leaders from various parts of the world took to social media, issuing statements on their X handles in support of Ukraine and criticizing Russia’s continued aggression.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned Russia for its “illegal and unjustifiable invasion” of Ukraine.
“For three years now, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience. Their fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all. Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and Ukrainians in achieving a just and lasting peace,” Trudeau wrote.
Also, French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Russia’s actions and defended the sanctions imposed three years ago.
“Thanks to all those who helped and continue. And respect to those who, since the beginning, have been fighting. Because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, their children, and the security of Europe,” Macron stated.
Similarly, Slovenian President Nataša Musar denounced Russia’s aggression and commented on the Oval Office meeting.
“What we witnessed in the Oval Office undermines these values and the foundations of diplomacy. We stand firmly in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty. We repeat, Russia is the aggressor,” Musar wrote.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer reiterated Europe’s backing for Ukraine.
“Russia is the aggressor, and therefore Europe supports Ukraine‘s efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace,” he stated.
