London-Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday, since European leaders dealt with the consequences of the extraordinary shouting party in the air of the Ukrainian President with Donald Trump.
European leaders were already ready to meet on Sunday at an emergency summit to discuss Russia and a peace plan for Ukraine.
The Starmer and the president of Great Britain, Emmanuel Macron de France, have led the efforts to convince Trump to continue supporting Ukraine, who was invaded by Russia three years ago. The dispute in the Oval office in front of the media has questioned whether that support will continue, and if the United States will continue with a dramatic approach with Vladimir Putin of Russia.
The majority of European countries attended Ukraine, breaking with Washington as differences in the transatlantic alliance built in the last 80 years, it broke out in public hearing.
“Today it was clear that the free world needs a new leader. It depends on us, Europeans, assuming this challenge, ”said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the European Union, Kaja Kallas.
Friday’s meeting was aimed at starting conversations on an agreement on the critical minerals of Ukraine, but degenerated in the confrontation, with Trump and vice president JD Vance criticizing Zelenskyy and telling him that he was not grateful enough.
European leaders quickly aligned to support the Ukrainian leader.
“The dignity of Zelenskyy honors the courage of the Ukrainian people,” the European president, Ursula von der Leyen, published in X. “Be strong, be brave, be brave. You are never alone, Dear President Zelenskyy. We will continue working with you for a fair and lasting peace.”
“We should never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war,” wrote Friedrich Merz, the probable next leader of Germany.
Macron said it was essential to respect the Ukrainians “fighting for their dignity, their independence, for their children and for the security of Europe.”
Zelenskyy remained firm that security guarantees were included in any agreement to end the war along with the mineral agreement drafted by the White House. These guarantees, he said, are the only thing that will keep Putin, who has a record of violating the agreements, of continuing to fight in Ukraine and beyond.
On Friday, Trump told Zelenskyy that he was being “disrespectful” and “gambling with World War II” by defending his country against Russia’s invasion.
“He did not respect the United States of America in his precious Oval office,” Trump said on a publication on his Truth social website after the meeting ended. “You can return when you are ready for peace.”
Later, Trump told journalists that Zelenskyy “exaggerated his hand” and accused the Ukrainian president of “Search and fight, fight, fight.”
After leaving the White House, Zelenskyy published in X: “Thank you America, thanks for your support, thanks for this visit. Thanks @potus, the American Congress and the people. Ukraine needs fair and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that. ”
During a Fox News interview on Friday night, Zelenskyy reiterated his appreciation for the support of the United States, but rejected calls to apologize for his comments at the White House.
Zelenskyy has repeatedly thanked the United States for his help. In December 2022, he spoke before both Congress cameras and his first words were:
“Thank you very much. Thank you very much for that. Thank you. It is too much for me. All this for our great people. Thank you very much. Dear Americans, in all states, cities and communities, all those who value freedom and justice, which appreciate it as strongly as the Ukrainians in our cities, in each and every one of the families, I hope that my words of respect and gratitude resonate in each American heart.”
According to the Department of Defense, since February 2022, Congress has assigned around $ 183 billion for the defense of Ukraine, although Trump has affirmed that the United States has spent more than $ 300 billion in help to Ukraine.
