Europe defends Zelenskyy after Trump attack – POLITICO

“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, and for the security 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.”

Over the past weeks, Europe has been steeling itself for a major rift with Washington over its hectoring treatment of Ukraine and its leader.

While European leaders have been pushing for a comprehensive deal in which the U.S. would offer post-war security guarantees, Trump has resisted such suggestions and has concentrated his efforts on boasting he can get Ukraine — rather than Russia — to repay America for aid through a critical minerals deal.

leaving little doubt of his preference for Putin over Zelenskyy, Trump has slammed the Ukrainian leader as a “dictator,” while hailing Russia’s leader as trustworthy. Trump has also adopted the Kremlin’s positions that Kyiv should not join NATO but should give up land.