European leaders swiftly showed support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy following criticisms from U.S. President and Vice President JD Vance at the White House. Prominent figures from around Europe took to social media to express solidarity with Zelenskiy and Ukraine amid Russia's invasion, underlining a growing divide between the U.S. and Europe since Trump's return to power.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated, "There is an aggressor: Russia. There is a people who are under attack: Ukraine." Macron emphasized the Ukrainian fight for dignity, independence, and the security of Europe.
While Trump accused Zelenskiy of disrespect and being unprepared for peace talks, European leaders rallied behind Zelenskiy. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured Ukraine, "You are not alone," while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed that "Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians do."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa commended Zelenskiy's dignity, honoring the bravery of the Ukrainian people, and pledged ongoing support for a just and lasting peace.
Various leaders across Europe, including Italy's Giorgia Meloni, called for unity and support for Ukraine, in contrast to the view of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a Trump supporter, who backed the U.S. president's stance on peace efforts.