“There is an aggressor, which is Russia and a people who have suffered aggression, which is Ukraine,” said French President Emmanuel Macron, hitting back at Trump’s suggestions of equivalence between the two sides. “You have to respect those who have been fighting since the beginning because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, for their children, for security and the protection of Europe.”
Macron also stressed that the U.S. was not the only country to support Kyiv but noted that it was also backed up by European countries, Canada and Japan.
Germany’s almost-certain next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, struck a similar tone addressing a tweet directly to “Dear Volodymyr” in which he vowed to stand with Ukraine “in good and in testing times.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sent a message to Zelenskyy insisting “Dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone,” while the office of Sweden’s prime minister insisted: “You are not only fighting for your freedom but also for all of Europe’s.”
The Czech Republic, Spain, Latvia and Lithuania all sent similar notes of support.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted: “Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President@ZelenskyyUa.”
