- Saturday, March 01, 2025
Despite the confrontation, Zelensky earlier thanked Trump, the US Congress and the American people for their support and for his visit
By: shajil kumar
UKRANIAN president Volodymyr Zelensky thanked dozens of allies on social media on Saturday (1), a day after US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused him of not being sufficiently grateful.
Zelensky on X wrote the words “Thank you for your support” in individual replies to around 30 messages of support from European leaders after his heated clash with the new US administration in the White House.
Despite the confrontation, Zelensky earlier thanked Trump, the US Congress and the American people for their support and for his visit.
“Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that,” he wrote.
Zelensky said it was “very important” that Ukraine’s plight was heard and not forgotten.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also sent multiple ‘thank yous’ to European counterparts in a social media flurry on Saturday (1).
As Friday’s White House meeting degenerated, Vance asked Zelensky: “Have you said ‘thank you’ once this entire time… in this entire meeting?”
A planned press conference with Trump and Zelensky was then cancelled and Zelensky was asked to leave.
Despite the clash, Zelensky later told Fox News he believed that “of course” relations with the US could be repaired.
But he refused to apologise, saying: “I’m not sure that we did something bad.”
He did, however, say he wished the exchange had not taken place in front of reporters.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later on CNN called for Zelensky to “apologise for wasting our time.”
Reaction from world leaders
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau said on X, “Russia illegally and unjustifiably invaded Ukraine. For three years now, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience. Their fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all. Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and Ukrainians in achieving a just and lasting peace.”
German chancellor Olaf Scholz said, “No one wants peace more than the citizens of Ukraine! That is why we are jointly seeking the path to a lasting and just peace. Ukraine can rely on Germany – and on Europe.”
French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters in Portugal: “Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine is the aggressed people. I think we were all right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago, and to continue to do so. We, that is the United States of America, the Europeans, the Canadians, the Japanese and many others. And we must thank all those who have helped and respect those who have been fighting since the beginning. Because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, their children and the security of Europe. These are simple things, but they’re good to remember at times like these, that’s all.”
Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni said, “Every division of the West makes us all weaker and favours those who would like to see the decline of our civilisation. Not of its power or influence, but of the principles that founded it, first and foremost freedom. A division would not benefit anyone. What is needed is an immediate summit between the United States, European states and allies to talk frankly about how we intend to deal with the great challenges of today, starting with Ukraine, which we have defended together in recent years, and those that we will be called upon to face in the future. This is the proposal that Italy intends to make to its partners in the coming hours.”
British prime minister Keir Starmer’s spokesperson said, “He retains his unwavering support for Ukraine and is playing his part to find a path forward to a lasting peace, based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine.”
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said, “We will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, because this is the struggle of a democratic nation versus an authoritarian regime led by Vladimir Putin, who clearly has imperialistic designs, not just on Ukraine, but throughout that region.”
Denmark’s foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Facebook. “It’s a punch in the gut for Ukraine. … There must be room for robust conversations – even between friends. But when it happens in front of rolling cameras like that, there is only one winner. And he sits in the Kremlin.”
Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev on Telegram: “A brutal dressing down in the Oval Office.”
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said on X, “Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President.
“We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.”
Moldovan president Mania Sandu on X, “The truth is simple. Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine defends its freedom – and ours. We stand with Ukraine.”
Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban came out in support of Trump on X. “Strong men make peace, weak men make war. Today President @realDonaldTrump stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr. President!”
Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Stoere: “What we saw from the White House today is serious and disheartening. Ukraine still needs the US’s support, and Ukraine’s security and future are also important to the US and to Europe. President Volodymyr Zelensky has strong support in Ukraine, broad support in Europe, and he has led his people through a very demanding and brutal time, under attack from Russia. That Trump accuses Zelensky of gambling with World War III is deeply unreasonable and a statement I distance myself from. Norway stands with Ukraine in their struggle for freedom. We hope that the Trump administration also understands the importance of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”
Czech president Petr Pavel on X, “We stand with Ukraine more than ever. Time for Europe to step up its efforts.”
