European Leaders Reaffirm Support for Ukraine Amid U.S. Shift
Following the tense Oval Office meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European leaders have issued strong statements of support for Ukraine, signaling a potential shift in leadership for backing Kyiv.
Key Statements:
• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen:
• “Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President.”
• French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot:
• “There is an aggressor: Putin’s Russia. There is a victim: the Ukrainian people. Europe must act now.”
• President of the European Council António Costa:
• “Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, President Zelenskyy.”
• German Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz:
• “We stand with Ukraine in good and testing times. We must never confuse aggressor and victim.”
• Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp:
• “I confirm full support for Ukraine, no matter what the cost.”
• Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez:
• “Ukraine, Spain stands with you.”
• Prime Minister of Portugal Luís Montenegro:
• “Ukraine can always count on Portugal.”
• Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson:
• “You are fighting for your freedom and for all of Europe’s. Slava Ukraini!”
• Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre:
• “We stand by Ukraine in their fair struggle for just and lasting peace.”
• Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof:
• “The Netherlands’ support for Ukraine is unwavering. We seek a lasting peace and an end to Russia’s war.”
• President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs:
• “Ukraine is a victim of Russian aggression. We must spare no effort for just and lasting peace.”
Why It Matters:
• The European Union is signaling unity and a willingness to step up support as the U.S. position under Trump shifts.
• EU and NATO members may now take a larger role in aiding Ukraine militarily and financially.
• Growing transatlantic divisions on Ukraine policy could reshape the future of Western support for Kyiv.
Next Steps:
• Will Europe commit to replacing lost U.S. aid?
• Will NATO adopt a more independent approach to supporting Ukraine?
• How will Russia react to Europe’s reaffirmed stance?
