Trump-Zelensky meeting fails, however EU leaders back Ukraine
The meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House ended without an agreement, prompting strong reactions from European leaders.
French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed that Russia is the aggressor in the war against Ukraine.
“There is an aggressor, which is Russia, and a people under attack, which is Ukraine,” Macron stated.
He emphasized that supporting Ukraine and sanctioning Russia was the right decision three years ago and remains so today.
“We must thank all those who have helped and show respect to those who have fought from the beginning,” he added.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reassured Ukrainians: “You are not alone.”
Dear @ZelenskyyUa, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) February 28, 2025
European Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni also reacted to the Trump-Zelensky meeting.
“He stood up to Putin’s weapons, and now Zelensky is being attacked in a live TV show staged at the White House. An unprecedented situation. I love the United States, but today I feel ashamed,” said the commissioner.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also expressed his support for Ukraine, writing, “Ukraine, Spain stands with you.”
Ucrania, España está contigo.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) February 28, 2025
Ukraine, Spain stands with you.
Україно, Іспанія з тобою. 🇺🇦 🇪🇸
Zelensky met with Trump in the Oval Office as both leaders were expected to sign a framework agreement on Ukraine’s natural resources. The visit followed weeks of tense negotiations, during which Ukraine rejected two initial proposals, arguing that they imposed unilateral obligations on Kyiv without security commitments from Washington.
The meeting ended without a deal after a heated 45-minute press briefing between Zelensky and Trump, during which they confronted over U.S. aid to Ukraine and the conditions for a potential peace agreement with Russia.
Following the discussions, Trump accused Zelensky of not being “ready for peace” and of disrespecting the United States in the Oval Office.
“He can come back when he is ready for peace,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Zelensky left the White House earlier than scheduled, departing without signing the resource agreement with the United States after the tense exchange with Trump.
