BRUSSELS ― European leaders on Friday rallied to defend Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance subjected him to a tirade of withering and infantilizing abuse in the Oval Office.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said: “Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge.”
In what may prove to a significant turning point in the tottering post-war Western alliance between Europe and the United States, the Europeans pushed back against Washington’s increasing alignment with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Trump’s browbeating of Zelenskyy.
“There is an aggressor, which is Russia and a people who have suffered aggression, which is Ukraine,” said French President Emmanuel Macron, hitting back at Trump’s suggestions of equivalence between the two sides. “You have to respect those who have been fighting since the beginning because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, for their children, and for the security of Europe.”
Macron also stressed that the U.S. was not the only country to support Kyiv but noted that it was also backed up by European countries, Canada and Japan.
Germany’s almost-certain next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, struck a similar tone addressing a tweet directly to “Dear Volodymyr” in which he vowed to stand with Ukraine “in good and in testing times.”
Over the past weeks, Europe has been steeling itself for a major rift with Washington over its hectoring treatment of Ukraine and its leader.
While European leaders have been pushing for a comprehensive deal in which the U.S. would offer post-war security guarantees, Trump has resisted such suggestions and has concentrated his efforts on boasting he can get Ukraine — rather than Russia — to repay America for aid through a critical minerals deal.
leaving little doubt of his preference for Putin over Zelenskyy, Trump has slammed the Ukrainian leader as a “dictator,” while hailing Russia’s leader as trustworthy. Trump has also adopted the Kremlin’s positions that Kyiv should not join NATO but should give up land.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sent a message to Zelenskyy insisting “Dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone,” while the office of Sweden’s prime minister said: “You are not only fighting for your freedom but also for all of Europe’s.”
The Czech Republic, Spain, Latvia and Lithuania all sent similar notes of support.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted: “Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President@ZelenskyyUa.”
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stressed his country stood behind Ukraine, noting “their fight is our fight,” while Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp underlined support for Ukraine would supply “whatever it takes, for as long as it takes.”
Christian Oliver, Victor Goury-Laffont, Rasmus Buchsteiner, Giovanna Faggionato, Jan Cienski, Hanne Cokelaere, Max Griera Andreu, Hans von der Burchard and Pieter Haeck contributed reporting.
‘Free world needs a new leader’: Europe defends Zelenskyy after Trump attack
Source: Viral Showbiz Pinay
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