“A parade of European leaders issued statements of solidarity with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after his stunning confrontation with President Trump in the Oval Office on Friday.”
European leaders, who are increasingly coming to terms with Trump’s hostile approach toward the transatlantic alliance, moved swiftly to defend Zelensky with a coordinated message of support. Axios
Moscow unsurprisingly expressed support and praise for Trump and Vance. “”How Trump and Vance restrained themselves and didn’t punch this scumbag is a miracle of endurance,” Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote on Telegram. “The insolent pig finally got a proper slap down in the Oval Office. And Trump is right: The Kiev regime is ‘gambling with WWIII,'” former Russian president and prime minster Dmitry Medvedev tweeted.” Axios
The symbol for the general reaction to the bully-fest is shown by Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova who was seen facepalming as Pres. Trump and Vice Pres. Vance sparred with Pres. Zelenskyy in the Oval Office of the White House. Mediate
Republicans predictably were critical of Zelenskyy. Senator Lindsay Graham described Zelensky as having “a chip on his shoulder.” “I don’t know if you can repair the damage. I don’t know if you can ever do a deal with Zelensky anymore,” he added, encouraging Zelensky to apologize. He needs to either resign or change,” he told reporters outside the West Wing.
Democrats remained supportive of Ukraine. “Trump and Vance are doing Putin’s dirty work,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y) said on X. “Senate Democrats will never stop fighting for freedom and democracy.”
“Allies rallied in support of Zelenskyy. Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President Zelensky,” tweeted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The leaders of Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, Lithuania, Sweden, and dozens of other European countries issued similar statements heaping praise on Zelensky and the Ukrainian people. Zelensky — whom Vance accused of not saying “thank you” a single time during his White House visit — individually thanked each European leader who expressed solidarity with Ukraine.” Axios
