U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a tense showdown within the Oval Workplace on Friday—the likes of which many world leaders have been capable of watch unfold, due to the media being current with their cameras rolling. The pair, joined by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, interrupted one another repeatedly throughout a gathering initially meant to be a few key U.S.-Ukraine minerals settlement.
“You don’t have the playing cards proper now,” Trump instructed Zelensky within the change, referencing Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky responded with a degree of his personal: “We’re not taking part in playing cards.”
Trump made numerous different remarks about Zelensky and Ukraine’s present place, and the involvement the Biden Administration had in supplying assist and funds to Ukraine after it was invaded by Russia. Zelensky remained steadfast on his level {that a} cease-fire settlement between Ukraine and Russia would not be enough with out safety ensures from the U.S., and that Putin can’t be trusted.
“You’re playing with [the] lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals, you’re playing with World Struggle III and what you’re doing could be very disrespectful to this nation,” Trump instructed Zelensky.
Learn Extra: Zelensky’s Oval Office Clash with Trump Draws Pride and Fear in Ukraine
Trump adopted that up by saying: “Your males are courageous, however they’d our navy. Should you didn’t have our navy gear, this conflict would have been over in two weeks.”
Shortly after the change, Trump canceled a deliberate press convention with Zelensky and minimize off negotiations. He took to his personal social media platform, Fact Social, the place he wrote that Zelensky “is just not prepared for Peace if America is concerned.”
“He disrespected the USA of America in its cherished Oval Workplace. He can come again when he’s prepared for Peace,” Trump said.
Following the Oval Workplace confrontation, many world leaders have spoken out, remarking upon what occurred.
Some have reified their assist for Ukraine in its protection in opposition to Russia’s invasion. Just a few have supported Trump.
Zelensky has been posting on X (previously Twitter) to thank the world leaders who’ve come to his protection on the platform. The Ukrainian chief will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday, and continues to be set to attend the already-planned emergency summit on Sunday, specializing in Ukraine and European safety.
Right here’s how world leaders have responded to the Oval Workplace showdown to this point:
Australia
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reified the nation’s assist for Ukraine in a press conference with reporters quickly after the change.
“We stand with Ukraine,” he mentioned. “The individuals of Ukraine are combating not only for their very own nationwide sovereignty, they’re combating for the worldwide rule of legislation.”
Canada
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mentioned that Canada will “continue to stand with Ukraine,”
“Russia illegally and unjustifiably invaded Ukraine,” he mentioned, by way of a publish on X. “For 3 years now, Ukrainians have fought with braveness and resilience. Their battle for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a battle that issues to us all.”
England
Zelensky has since arrived in England for a deliberate assembly with U.Ok. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as a press release from Downing Avenue shared that Starmer still expresses “unwavering support for Ukraine.” Starmer reportedly spoke with each Trump—who he met in the Oval Office earlier this week—and Zelensky after the heated change.
European Fee
“Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian individuals,” Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Fee—the manager department of the European Union— said on social media. Addressing Zelensky, she mentioned: “Be sturdy, be courageous, be fearless. You’re by no means alone, expensive President.”
France
French President Emmanuel Macron posted in clear assist of Ukraine, stating that those that proceed to battle for Ukraine achieve this “for his or her dignity, their independence, their kids, and the safety of Europe.”
“There may be an aggressor: Russia. There’s a sufferer: Ukraine,” he said. “We have been proper to assist Ukraine and sanction Russia three years in the past – and to maintain doing so.”
Germany
A number of German leaders have come to Zelensky’s protection.
“Ukraine is just not alone,” Overseas Minister Annalena Baerbock wrote in a press release posted to social media. “Germany along with our European allies stands united alongside Ukraine— and in opposition to the Russian aggression. Ukraine can construct on unwavering assist from Germany, Europe, and past.”
Germany’s present Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and the incoming Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, additionally voiced their assist, on X.
“We mustn’t ever confuse aggressor and sufferer on this horrible conflict,” Merz mentioned.
Hungary
The Prime Minister of Hungary, Orbán Viktor, notably broke away from lots of his European counterparts and showcased his assist for Trump:
“Sturdy males make peace, weak males make conflict,” he said in a post on X. “Immediately President @realDonaldTrump stood bravely for peace. Even when it was troublesome for a lot of to digest. Thanks, Mr. President!”
Eire
Micheál Martin, the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Eire and Simon Harris, the Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister), each confirmed their support to Ukraine by way of X.
“Having visited Ukraine twice, I’ve seen the resilience and braveness of its individuals,” said Martin, who met with Zelensky on Feb. 27. “Eire stands with Ukraine.”
Montenegro
Jakov Milatović, President of Montenegro, posted on X to indicate his assist to Ukraine, tagging Zelensky. “Montenegro helps a simply and lasting peace in Ukraine and stands with its individuals of their pursuit of peace,” he reaffirmed.
Slovak Republic
Former President of Slovakia, Zuzana Čaputová, who led the nation till 2024, posted on X in assist of Ukraine, stating that the persons are “defending their proper to dwell.”
“It’s that straightforward,” she said. “They deserve all of the assist they will get to defend this proper and to dwell and prosper as a sovereign nation residing in peace.”
Spain
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who not too long ago introduced a new military aid package value over $1 billion to Ukraine, mentioned: “Ukraine, Spain stands with you.” The social media message was translated into Spanish and Ukrainian.
Sweden
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson supported Ukraine on social media, writing that the nation “stands with Ukraine.”
“You aren’t solely combating on your freedom but additionally for all of Europe’s,” he mentioned.
