European leaders defend Zelensky after fiery White House meeting

BRUSSELS -- The open clash between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Friday prompted an outpouring of support from European leaders for Zelensky and his country.

"Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone," European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said on social media platform X, adding, "We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace."

"Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians do. Therefore we are working on a common path to a lasting and just peace," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz posted on X. "Ukraine can rely on Germany -- and on Europe."

"We were all right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago, and to continue to do so," French President Emmanuel Macron said, calling for respect for those who have been fighting since the beginning.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said: "Dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone."

Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar said her country "upholds the principles and respect of international law and international relations," noting "what we witnessed in the Oval Office today undermines these values and the foundations of diplomacy."

"We stand firmly in support of Ukraine's sovereignty," she continued. "It is time for Europe to take the lead on the path to peace in Ukraine. With respect for international law, UN Charter, fairness and above all ... decency."

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said: "We stand with Ukraine more than ever. Time for Europe to step up its efforts."

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said: "Croatia knows from its own experience that only a just peace can last. The Croatian government stands firm in its belief that Ukraine needs such a peace -- a peace that means sovereignty, territorial integrity, and a secure Europe."

Other European leaders rallied to defend Ukraine in similar messages, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

Zelensky in response quoted these posts with "Thank you for your support."

But not all European leaders backed Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban praised Trump on X, saying the US president "stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest."

Earlier in the day, a press conference at the White House where Trump and Zelensky were scheduled to sign the US-Ukraine minerals deal was canceled, following the stunning clash between the two inside the Oval Office which ended with Zelensky leaving the meeting.