On Friday, February 28, 2025, a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky resulted in an unusual public confrontation. It was not only unexpected but also a disaster for Ukrainian President Zelensky. The incident has surprised leaders, analysts and scholars around the world. The talks which began with friendly handshakes quickly descended into a heated exchange that may end up permanently altering the trajectory of US-Ukraine relations and reshaping Europe’s geopolitical situation.
Zelensky had come to meeting with his own agenda it seemed the Ukraine Presidnet was looking to continue the Russia Ukraine war like before. However Trump bluntly told him, ‘You’re not winning this. You’re only surviving because of us.’ Then he hit him with the final blow: ‘Either make a deal, or we’re out!’
Zelensky was left speechless. The press conference got cancelled, lunch was left untouched, and Zelensky zoomed out of the White House. And to top it all off, Trump went on social media and declared, ‘Come back when you’re ready for peace!’
However the situation has far from settled. The Ukraine Presidnet has now landed in London looking to seek support from the European leaders instead. Zelensky will nkw be attending the European defence summit set to take place on the 2nd March.
Global leaders rally behind Zelensky
Meanwhile european and global leaders have come out in conplte support of Ukraine. The leaders of Germany, France, Spain, Poland and the Netherlands were among those who posted social media messages backing Ukraine, along with posts from the prime ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand – with Zelensky responding directly to each one to thank them for their support.
The UK president, Keir Starmer who was the one who visited Washington just before Zelensky is now ready to host Zelensky tomorrow. Reacting to the Trump-Zelensky disaster he said, that 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. However, when he met Trump, Trump made fun of him by saying, ‘Are you defending the UK alone?’ and then laughed.
Before that, French President Macron also visited Washinton to show his tribute to Trump. On the issue, he also gave a statement and said, ” Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine is the agreed 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 USA, the Europeans, the Canadians, the Japanese and many others.” France and Germany are the two nations facing the burn of Russian oil in terms of theireconomic hardship. However, Macron gave assurance to Ukraine in its war with Russia.
Germany’s outgoing chancellor, who lost the February election and his party came third in the election, 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.” He is not able to save his chair but wants to save Ukraine collectively.
Canadian outgoing PM Justin Trudeau, and in Trump’s term the Governer of 51st state of US given a statement that “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.” A similar statement was issued by his rival Pierre Poilievre who backed Ukraine and Zelensky.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese also reacted by saying, “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 Putin, who clearly has imperialistic designs, not just in Ukraine but throughout that region.”
Trump’s friend and the Italian PM Giorgia Meloni said in a statement, “Every division of the West makes us all weaker and favours those who would like to see the decline of our civilization, not of its power or influence, but of the principles that founded it, first and foremost, freedom. A division will not benefit anyone.” However, her statement looks that she is taking a dig at European leaders rather than Trump.
Apart from all these statements, European leaders are all set to meet on Sunday at an emergency summit to discuss Russia and a peace plan for Ukraine. Britain’s Starmer and President Emmanuel Macron of France have led efforts to convince Trump to continue supporting Ukraine. Most European countries came out in support for Ukraine, breaking with Washington as differences in the transatlantic alliance built over the past 80 years burst into public view. This looks like it’s going to be Trump vs Europe. However, Europe is not capable of taking the US or Russia.
Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron, who has floated the idea of a unified European army, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky had also suggested last month that Kiev’s forces could form the basis of “an army of Europe,” as “decades of the old relationship between Europe and America are ending” and “Europe needs to adjust.”
Also Read: After Zelensky and Macron, now Spain proposes the idea of a European Army
On sunday, all eyes will be on the European defence summit, where leaders are about to meet after the Trump-Zelensky meeting. The idea of a unified European army may be discussed as it now becomes clear that the Trump led USA has no time or interest in Europe’s wars.
