> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.europeans.today/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Zelensky gains European support as Trump Administration considers halting military aid to Ukraine - URL: https://www.europeans.today/2025/02/28/zelensky-gains-european-support-as-trump-administration-considers-halting-military-aid-to-ukraine/ - Published: 2025-02-28T23:55:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-01-10T02:20:02.000Z - Description: A fiery Oval Office clash between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky led to a diplomatic rift, with Europe rallying behind Ukraine as the U.S. considers halting military aid, reshaping transatlantic alliances. - Author: J.N. PAQUET - Tags: Trump-Zelensky Clash, War in Ukraine, Ukraine, United States, Geopolitics, Volodymyr Zelensky, JD Vance, Keir Starmer, European Union, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Europe, European Army, White House, Donald Trump, Viktor Orbán, TODAY+ **What you need to know** ● Zelensky’s confrontation with Trump led to cancelled talks and strained relations. ● Trump accused Zelensky of disrespect, now threatening to cut U.S. military aid. ● European leaders strongly backed Zelensky, highlighting Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty. ● Europe may assume a leadership role as transatlantic alliances shift. I n the aftermath of a heated confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has received an overwhelming wave of support from European leaders. The Oval Office meeting, intended to solidify a U.S.-Ukraine mineral extraction deal, devolved into a lively argument, leading to the abrupt cancellation of a joint press conference and Zelensky’s premature departure from the White House. President Trump accused Zelensky of disrespect, stating on [Truth Social](https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114082877976878390?ref=europeans.today), “He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office.” Vice President JD Vance echoed this sentiment, criticizing Zelensky’s conduct during the meeting. The discord has cast doubt on future U.S. support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. > We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace. > > — Donald Trump, *U.S. President*. And in a dramatic escalation, the Trump Administration is reportedly now considering ending all ongoing shipments of military aid to Ukraine. [According to *The Washington Post*](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/02/28/trump-ukraine-russia-zelensky/?ref=europeans.today), this decision, if enacted, would apply to billions of dollars worth of radars, vehicles, ammunition, and missiles currently awaiting shipment through the presidential drawdown authority. The report cites a senior U.S. official who claims the move comes in response to Zelensky’s remarks at the White House and what the administration called a “perceived intransigence in the peace process.” In response to these developments, European leaders have rallied around Zelensky. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa jointly declared, “Your dignity honours the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President Zelensky.” French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized, “Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine is the aggressed people... They are fighting for their dignity, their independence, their children, and the security of Europe.” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reassured, “Dear Volodymyr Zelensky, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.” Top EU Diplomat Kaja Kallas [said](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/28/european-leaders-throw-support-behind-zelenskyy-after-heated-trump-meeting?ref=europeans.today), “Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader.” Zelensky expressed gratitude for this solidarity, stating, “Thank you, America, thank you for your support... Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.” > Latvia stands with Ukraine. 🇱🇻🇺🇦 > > — Evika Siliņa 🇱🇻🇺🇦 (@EvikaSilina) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/EvikaSilina/status/1895561407435067550?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia > Ukraine is a victim of the Russian aggression. It fights the war with the help from many friends and partners. We need to spare no effort for just and lasting peace. Diplomacy sometimes is the art of the impossible in difficult circumstances. > > Latvia stands with Ukraine 🇱🇻 🇺🇦 > > — Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/edgarsrinkevics/status/1895563763891519812?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) President of the Republic of Latvia > We stand with Ukraine and on the side of the free world! > > — Petr Fiala (@P\_Fiala) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/P%5FFiala/status/1895562190138318851?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) Prime Minister of the Czech Republic > We stand with Ukraine more than ever. Time for Europe to step up its efforts. > > — Petr Pavel (@prezidentpavel) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/prezidentpavel/status/1895566489861964264?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) President of the Czech Republic > We stand by Ukraine in their fair struggle for a just and lasting peace. > > 🇺🇦🇳🇴 > > — Jonas Gahr Støre (@jonasgahrstore) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/jonasgahrstore/status/1895559727171735786?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) Prime Minister of Norway > Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians do. Therefore we are working on a common path to a lasting and just peace. Ukraine can rely on Germany – and on Europe. > > — Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/Bundeskanzler/status/1895568931961913565?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) Chancellor of Germany > Dear Volodymyr [@zelenskyyua](https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today), we stand with [#Ukraine](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) in good and in testing times. We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war. (FM) > > — Friedrich Merz (@\_FriedrichMerz) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/%5FFriedrichMerz/status/1895566156528042358?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) Future Chancellor of Germany > Sweden stands with Ukraine. You are not only fighting for your freedom but also for all of Europe’s. Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦 > > — SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/SwedishPM/status/1895560378320633982?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) Prime Minister of Sweden > A Ucrânia pode sempre contar com Portugal, [@ZelenskyyUa](https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today). 🇵🇹🇺🇦 > > Ukraine can always count on Portugal, [@ZelenskyyUa](https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today). 🇵🇹🇺🇦 > > — Luís Montenegro (@LMontenegropm) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/LMontenegropm/status/1895562168294387903?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) Prime Minister of Portugal > Your dignity honours the bravery of the Ukrainian people. > > Be strong, be brave, be fearless. > You are never alone, dear President [@ZelenskyyUa](https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today). > > We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace. > > — Roberta Metsola (@EP\_President) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/EP%5FPresident/status/1895566818900894170?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) President of the European Parliament > Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. > > Be strong, be brave, be fearless. > You are never alone, dear President [@ZelenskyyUa](https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today). > > We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace. > > — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1895565933265260843?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) President of the European Commission > Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. > > Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President [@ZelenskyyUa](https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today). > > We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace. > > — António Costa (@eucopresident) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/eucopresident/status/1895565898351853799?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) President of the European Council > There is an aggressor: Russia. > > There is a victim: Ukraine. > > We were right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago—and to keep doing so. > > By “we,” I mean the Americans, the Europeans, the Canadians, the Japanese, and many others. > > Thank you to… > > — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1895582703556444404?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) President of France > Luxembourg stands with Ukraine. You are fighting for your freedom and a rules based international order. 🇱🇺🇺🇦 > > — Luc Frieden (@LucFrieden) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/LucFrieden/status/1895565061856641359?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) Prime Minister of Luxembourg > The Netherlands supports Ukraine as firmly as ever. Now more than ever. We want a lasting peace and an end to the war of aggression started by Russia. For Ukraine and its people, and for Europe. > > — Dick Schoof (@MinPres) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/MinPres/status/1895569452856721888?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) Prime Minister of the Netherlands > Ukraine is not to blame for this war brought about by Russia’s illegal invasion. > > We stand with Ukraine. 🇺🇦 🇮🇪 > > — Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/SimonHarrisTD/status/1895559948400292032?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland > Having visited Ukraine twice, I’ve seen the resilience and courage of its people. > > Ireland stands with Ukraine. > > When I met with President Zelenskyy yesterday I reiterated our full support for a just, durable and sustained peace. [https://t.co/QjQHVOb0Z5](https://t.co/QjQHVOb0Z5?ref=europeans.today) > > — Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/MichealMartinTD/status/1895593639067468027?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) Prime Minister of Ireland > We stand united with [@ZelenskyyUa](https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) and Ukraine in our fight for freedom. Always. Because it is right, not easy. 🇪🇪🇺🇦 > > — Kristen Michal (@KristenMichalPM) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/KristenMichalPM/status/1895569523149062323?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia > Finland and the Finnish people stand firmly with Ukraine. We will continue our unwavering support and work towards a just and lasting peace. 🇫🇮🇺🇦 > > — Petteri Orpo (@PetteriOrpo) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/PetteriOrpo/status/1895572477902012642?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) Prime Minister of Finland > 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. > 🇭🇷🇺🇦 [@ZelenskyyUa](https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) > > — Andrej Plenković (@AndrejPlenkovic) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/AndrejPlenkovic/status/1895580132527783970?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) Prime Minister of Croatia > Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen: > "Dear [@ZelenskyyUA](https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today), Denmark proudly stands with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people." > > — Statsministeriet (@Statsmin) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/Statsmin/status/1895576405062402100?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) Prime Minister of Denmark > The security of Ukraine is crucial for the security of Europe. We all need to stand together to fight for our values, freedom, and peace. > > — Ilie Bolojan (@Bolojan) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/Bolojan/status/1895580004177842676?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) Interim President of Romania > [#StandWithUkraine](https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithUkraine?src=hash&ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) [https://t.co/x2kIsHfC6X](https://t.co/x2kIsHfC6X?ref=europeans.today) > > — Alexander Schallenberg (@a\_schallenberg) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/a%5Fschallenberg/status/1895573989382300075?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) Interim Chancellor of Austria > We stand behind Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in their historic fight to defend themselves against an unprovoked Russian aggression. Their fight is our fight. United we are strong. 🇺🇦 > > — Bart De Wever (@Bart\_DeWever) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/Bart%5FDeWever/status/1895567424524853511?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) Prime Minister of Belgium > Slovenia upholds the principles and respect of international law and international relations. 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. We repeat, Russia is the… > > — Nataša Pirc Musar (@nmusar) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/nmusar/status/1895581833762644416?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) President of the Republic of Slovenia Canadian PM Justin Trudeau also posted his support to Ukraine and President Zelensky. > 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… > > — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1895587693775536397?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, however, was notably slow to join the wave of support for Ukraine and Zelensky after the public spat at the White House. This hesitation likely stems from his recent visit to Washington, where Trump promised Britain [a favourable trade deal](https://news.sky.com/story/donald-trump-opens-door-to-us-uk-real-trade-deal-in-meeting-with-starmer-13318418?ref=europeans.today) while threatening the EU with [**25%** tariffs](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c05ml3q2gn7o?ref=europeans.today). This delay was particularly noticeable given that, just 24 hours earlier, Starmer had been quick to post about his happiness at being received at the White House, expressing enthusiasm over his meeting with Trump and the prospect of a stronger UK-U.S. partnership. His hesitancy to immediately support Zelensky has, therefore, sparked speculation about whether trade considerations played a role in his cautious approach. > The bond between the UK and the US couldn’t be stronger. > > Thank you for your hospitality, [@POTUS](https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today). [pic.twitter.com/tcAtp2hzCY](https://t.co/tcAtp2hzCY?ref=europeans.today) > > — Keir Starmer (@Keir\_Starmer) [February 27, 2025](https://twitter.com/Keir%5FStarmer/status/1895223245084991847?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) Unlike other European leaders who quickly expressed solidarity on social media, Starmer remained silent on X/Twitter. Instead, Downing Street released [a carefully worded statement](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/donald-trump-volodymyr-zelensky-keir-starmer-oval-office-white-house-b2706979.html?ref=europeans.today) late in the evening asserting that “the Prime Minister has tonight spoken to both President Trump and President Zelensky. He retains unwavering support for Ukraine, and is doing all he can to find a path forward to a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine.” The lukewarm phrasing starkly contrasted the stronger declarations from his European counterparts, raising questions about the UK’s positioning in the broader transatlantic response. Another European leader who notably refrained from supporting Zelensky was Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. A well-known ally of both Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Orbán instead posted his full support for Trump, further highlighting Hungary’s alignment with a more pro-Russian stance within Europe. Orbán’s stance underscores the persistent divisions within the EU over Ukraine, with some leaders still reluctant to fully back Kyiv in its struggle against Russian aggression. > Strong men make peace, weak men make war. > > Today President [@realDonaldTrump](https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr. President! > > — Orbán Viktor (@PM\_ViktorOrban) [February 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/PM%5FViktorOrban/status/1895571372891652510?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=europeans.today) The incident in the Oval Office underscores a potential shift in transatlantic alliances, with Europe potentially stepping into a more prominent leadership role in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty. The potential cessation of U.S. military aid would represent a significant blow to Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian aggression. It could prompt European nations to bolster their own military commitments to Kyiv. As tensions mount, the coming days will likely determine whether the U.S. follows through on its threat to withhold aid and how Europe will respond to this shifting geopolitical landscape. In an effort to secure a diplomatic solution, Keir Starmer is set to host [a major summit over the weekend](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/28/starmer-to-hold-talks-with-zelenskyy-and-meloni-before-ukraine-defence-summit?ref=europeans.today), bringing together more than a dozen countries to discuss a potential peace deal. Initially inviting leaders from France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, and Turkey, as well as Ukraine, Starmer expanded the list after his meeting with Trump to include the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Romania. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa will also attend. The summit underscores Europe’s increasing determination to take a leading role in ending the war and securing long-term stability in the region. Could 28 February 2025 be the day NATO ceases to exist, and 1 March 2025 mark the launch of a new European security alliance composed of EU militaries and the Ukrainian army? The prospect of such an alliance, which could eventually evolve into a fully-fledged EU army, is gaining traction as Europe considers taking complete control of its own defence strategy. With the United States showing signs of withdrawing support for Ukraine and NATO’s future becoming increasingly uncertain, European leaders may be preparing for a historic shift in continental security policy. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/15/40/1540bec0-7154-4feb-b8e1-97f579155b08/content/images/2021/09/end-flat-1.png) ### **GOING FURTHER** - ###### [Trump blasts Zelensky in Oval Office](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/02/28/trump-ukraine-russia-zelensky/?ref=europeans.today) | THE WASHINGTON POST - ###### [Diplomacy dies on live TV as Trump and Vance gang up to bully Ukraine leader](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/28/trump-zelenskyy-shouting-match-oval-office?ref=europeans.today) | THE GUARDIAN - ###### [Why It’s Time to Reconsider a European Army](https://www.csis.org/analysis/why-its-time-reconsider-european-army?ref=europeans.today) | CENTER FOR STRATEGIC AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES - ###### [Defending Europe without the US: first estimates of what is needed](https://www.bruegel.org/analysis/defending-europe-without-us-first-estimates-what-needed?ref=europeans.today) | BRUEGEL - ###### [End Of NATO? Can Europe Forge An Alternative Alliance To Defend Itself & Ukraine Without The U.S. Support?](https://www.eurasiantimes.com/army-of-europe-can-the-eu-forge-a-nato-alternative/?ref=europeans.today) | THE EURASIAN TIMES - ###### [Europe would have to mobilize 300,000 soldiers to defend itself against Russia without the USA](https://www.ifw-kiel.de/publications/news/europe-would-have-to-mobilize-300000-soldiers-to-defend-itself-against-russia-without-the-usa/?ref=europeans.today) | KIEL INSTITUTE FOR THE WORLD ECONOMY ### --- ### **Sources:** ##### ▪ This piece was first published in Europeans TODAY on 28 February 2025\. | The author writes in a personal capacity. ##### ▪ **Cover:** [President of Ukraine](https://www.president.gov.ua/en/photos/all?ref=europeans.today). (Licensed under a [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/?ref=europeans.today).) ![Creative Commons License](https://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-sa/4.0/88x31.png "Cover photograph license") ---