Washington: The Oval Office exchange between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy caused furious backlash from Ukraine and around the world. So as soon as Zelenskyy exited the grounds of the White House, Ukrainians united around their leader, branding him a defender of national interests. After the showdown, so did Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
At times, Zelenskyy looked uncomfortable during the high-stakes meeting as questions from Trump and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance turned pointed. Officials in Moscow may have been delighted by the unusual incident and perceived it as a sign of weakened U.S.-Ukrainian ties. Nevertheless, Ukrainians rallied around their president, praising him for his unyielding stance on defending the nation’s dignity and sovereignty.
Zelenskyy. Standing by the international community
Many countries publicly endorsed Zelenskyy, following the fierce debate, among them:
European Nations (20): Slovenia, Belgium, Ireland, Austria, Romania, Croatia, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, Portugal, Sweden, Germany, Norway, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Moldova, Spain, Poland, and the United Kingdom.
North America: Canada.
EU: The whole EU block
Italy: Summoned for a summit of developments.
Zelenskyy Enjoys Support From Citizens In Ukraine
Natalia Serhienko, a 67-year-old retiree from Kyiv, also expressed her support for Zelensky, praising him for his unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s interests. “Very tough, hot conversation, but Zelenskyy was very solid,” she said.
Oleh Syniehubov, the governor of the Russian border region that covers the southeastern city of Kharkiv, Ukraine, said the determination of Zelenskyy—who remained in Kyiv as Russian troops entered the city—was “forbidden for use.” Without guarantees of Ukraine’s future protection from Russian aggression, the president “never agreed to a peace settlement,” Syniehubov stressed.
Under immense pressure to forsake aid to Ukraine and its people, our leader maintains his resolve and mobilises all available defence forces in support of Ukraine! We want security guarantees and a just peace, Syniehubov said.
Artem Vasyliev, a 37-year-old resident of Kyiv, expressed his criticism of the U.S. approach during a conversation in the Oval Office. Artem Vasyliev stated that despite being the first line of defence against Russia, America had betrayed us. Stating that we are fighting to save democracy and still being disrespected, he said,
The tense exchange in the Oval Office has only helped strengthen support for Ukraine around the world but also highlighted ever-tighter relationships between the U.S. and Ukraine.