The lively altercation opposed, this Friday, February 28, at the White House Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky very quickly aroused many reactions in the world, Moscow greeting this “historic” moment and Western countries reaffirming their solidarity with Ukraine. L’Express takes stock of the main reactions.
Ukraine: “Peace without guarantees not possible”
“Peace without guarantees is not possible,” said Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Chmygal. “President Zelensky is right”. “A ceasefire without guarantees is the way to the Russian occupation of the whole European continent,” he added.
Russia: a “historic” moment
“Historical”, reacted Kirill Dmitriev, the boss of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and one of the Russian negotiators in the Russian-American talks who held on February 18 in Saudi Arabia.
“For the first time, Trump told the truth in front of the cocaine clown,” said ex-president Dmitri Medvedev, current number two of the Russian Security Council, referring to Volodymyr Zelensky. “The insolent pork finally received a good correction in the oval office,” he continued.
“You will never be alone,” say Von Der Leyen and Costa in Zelensky
The European Union assured the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky of his unwavering support on Friday: “You will never be alone.” “Be strong, be courageous, do not be afraid,” wrote the presidents of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the Council Antonio Costa in a joint declaration on social networks, saying to Zelensky: “We will continue to work with you for a just and lasting peace.”
“Today, it has become clear that the free world needs a new leader. It is up to us, Europeans, to take up this challenge,” wrote the head of European Union diplomacy, Kaja Kallas on social networks. “Ukraine is Europe! We are alongside Ukraine,” she added.
France: the “attacker” is Russian
“There is an attacker who is Russia, there is an assaulted people who are Ukraine,” French president Emmanuel Macron (Portugal) told French, where he finished a state visit. “I think we were all right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago and continue to do so,” he added. “We must thank everyone who helped and we must respect those who from the start are fighting because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, for their children and for the security of Europe,” continued Emmanuel Macron. “These are simple things but they are good to recall in these moments”.
French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot called on Europeans to take “to acts” to ensure their “collective security” and support Ukraine after the lively altercation at the White House between Donald Trump and Volodyr Zelensky.
Germany: kyiv’s “unwavering support”
The German Chancellor expressed his support for Ukraine after the lively public altercation. “No one wishes peace more than the citizens of Ukraine! This is why we are looking together for a lasting and just peace. Ukraine can count on Germany and Europe,” said Olaf Scholz in a statement transmitted to the press.
“Germany and our European allies are united alongside Ukraine and against Russian aggression. Ukraine can count on the unwavering support of Germany, Europe and beyond,” wrote German Minister for Foreign Affairs Annaalena Baerbock on social networks X and Bluesky.
Poland: Ukrainians are “not alone”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured the Ukrainian president and his compatriots that they were “not alone” in a message published shortly after the historic clash between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Dear @zelenskyyua, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone,” wrote Donald Tusk on the social network X a few minutes after the departure of President Zelensky from the White House.
Meloni pleads for a summit “without delay” between the United States, Europe and their “allies”
The head of the Italian government Giorgia Meloni called on Friday evening at the “deadline” summons of a “summit” between the United States, Europe and their allies on Ukraine. “A summit without delay is necessary between the United States, European states and its allies to speak frankly of the way in which we intend to face the great challenges of today, starting with Ukraine, which we have defended in recent years,” she said in a statement.
Spain “with” Ukraine
“Ukraine, Spain is with you,” wrote Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. The Socialist Spanish leader, who has always actively supported Ukraine since the invasion of this country by Russia three years ago, promised this year a new military support plan on kyiv this year, in the amount of one billion euros.
The support of the Netherlands to “intact” Ukraine
The support of the Netherlands to Ukraine remains “intact”, said Prime Minister Dick Schoof on Friday, adding his voice to European leaders who supported the Ukrainian president. “The support of the Netherlands to Ukraine remains intact. Especially now,” said Dick Schoof on X, adding: “We want lasting peace and the end of the war of aggression that Russia has triggered.”
Orban (Hungary) thanks Trump for defending “peace”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban thanked US President Donald Trump on Friday for “courageously defended peace”, after the White House alter. “Strong men make peace, weak men wage war. Today President Donald Trump courageously defended peace. Even if it is hard to digest for many. Thank you, Mr. President!” Wrote Viktor Orban on X.