Reactions to Trump-Zelenskyj scandal: Praise from the USA and Russia, shock in Europe

RND - Editorial Network Germany Reactions to Trump-Zelenskyj scandal: Praise from the USA and Russia, shock in Europe Jens Strube • 13 hours • 5 minutes reading time After the unprecedented dispute between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Selenskyj in the White House, politicians around the world have reacted to the escalation between the two heads of state. Words of solidarity for the Ukrainian president came primarily from Europe. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured Selenskyj that she would continue to work on a just peace. "We will continue to work with you for a just and lasting peace," von der Leyen wrote on Platform X. Addressing Selenskyj, she wrote: "You are never alone." And continued: "Be strong, be brave, be fearless." "Dear Zelensky, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone," wrote Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on the X platform. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez made a similar statement on X: "Ukraine, Spain is on your side." NATO members Sweden and Norway also expressed their steadfast solidarity with Kyiv. They stand by Ukraine in its fight for a just and lasting peace, declared Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on the X online platform. His Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson stated that Ukrainians are not only fighting for their own freedom, but for that of the whole of Europe. After the scandal, French President Emmanuel Macron demanded respect for the fighting Ukrainians. "I think it was right that we all helped Ukraine three years ago and sanctioned Russia and will continue to do so," Macron told media representatives. "And when I say 'we', I mean the United States of America, the Europeans, the Canadians, the Japanese and many others," he continued. "And that we must respect those who have fought from the beginning because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, their children and for the security of Europe. These are simple things, but they are good to be reminded of in moments like these." Reactions from Germany After the scandal, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) emphasized Ukraine's desire for peace, thereby distancing himself from US President Donald Trump. "Nobody wants peace more than the citizens of Ukraine!" Scholz wrote on Platform X in German and English. "That is why we are looking together for a path to a lasting and just peace." In view of Trump's threat to abandon Ukraine in its defensive struggle against Russia, Scholz emphasized: "Ukraine can rely on Germany - and on Europe." Current Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) also expressed solidarity with Ukraine. "Ukraine can count on unwavering support from Germany, Europe and beyond," she wrote on X. "Their defense of democracy and their pursuit of peace and security are ours." CDU leader and Union candidate for chancellor, Friedrich Merz, also assured Selenskyj of support. Germany will stand by Ukraine "in good times and in difficult times." "We must never confuse attackers and victims in this terrible war." Reactions from the USA US Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked his boss Donald Trump after the scandal in the White House. "Thank you (...) for standing up for America like no president has dared to do before," he wrote on Platform X. "Thank you for putting America first. America is with you." Republican US senators have stood behind Trump after the scandal in the White House. Senator Mike Lee from the state of Utah thanked Trump on Platform X for standing up for the country and putting America first. Rick Scott from Florida, Josh Hawley from Kansas, Bernie Moreno from Ohio and Jim Justice from West Virginia made similar comments on social media. Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina called the meeting a complete disaster and said he had never been prouder of Trump. After the meeting in the White House was broken off, he questioned whether the US could continue to work with Zelensky. "What I saw in the Oval Office was disrespectful and I don't know if we can ever do business with Zelensky again," said Graham. The Ukrainian president has made it "almost impossible to sell the American people that he is a good investment." When asked whether Zelensky should resign, Graham replied: "He either has to resign or send someone over that we can do business with, or he has to change." But criticism of Trump's behavior, which he had bombarded his guest from Kyiv with accusations, was also voiced by Republicans. It was a bad day for America's foreign policy, said Republican Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska. "Ukraine wants independence, free markets and the rule of law. It wants to be part of the West," said Bacon. "Russia hates us and our Western values. We should make it clear that we stand for freedom." Republican Representative Mike Lawler of New York called the meeting a missed opportunity for the USA and Ukraine. "The fact that this became public was a catastrophe - especially for Ukraine," he explained. Before his meeting in the White House, Zelensky spoke to a cross-party group of senators, including Republicans Roger Wicker from Mississippi and Graham. Reactions from Russia Trump received support not only from his own ranks - but also from Russia. The deputy head of the National Security Council, Dmitry Medvdev, praised the US president for his lecture. It was a "cold slap in the face". Trump told Zelensky the truth to his face and explained to him that he was playing with World War III. "And the ungrateful pig got a big slap in the face from the owners of the pigsty. That's useful," wrote the former Kremlin chief on Telegram. But that's not enough. Journalists from Russian state television were surprised by the public dispute between Trump and Zelensky. The meeting no longer respected the limits of decency and will probably go down in history, said news anchor Alexander Kareevski in the evening news. A correspondent for the state news channel Russia 24 said after the meeting that it was clear that there could be no talk of further arms deliveries to Ukraine. Zelensky left empty-handed. Reactions from Ukraine Zelensky nevertheless expressed his gratitude after his meeting with Trump was canceled. "Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit, thank you POTUS, Congress and the American people," Zelensky said on Platform X. POTUS is the abbreviation for President of the United States of America. "Ukraine simply needs a lasting peace, and that is exactly what we are working on," he said. Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, defended the president. Zelensky is fighting for Ukraine, for everyone who wants a just and long-lasting peace. "I support the president who represents the interests of our heroic people. In every situation. Period," Yermak emphasized. Despite the scandal, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko hopes that US aid for his country will continue. "Today is no time for emotions. From either side. A common position must be sought," he wrote on Telegram, without mentioning US President Donald Trump or Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainians are grateful to the American people for the support they have received since the beginning of the war. "Weapons, air defense, major financial and economic aid," the ex-boxer listed. Trump throws Zelensky out Trump had bombarded his guest with accusations, accusing him, among other things, of risking a third world war. He then broke off the meeting. Zelensky then left the White House early.