Ukraine’s European Allies Expected to Boost Support as US Ties Plunge to New Low
KYIV: Ukrainians faced a stark new reality on Saturday, after a White House clash between President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump plunged ties between Kyiv and its top military backer into an unprecedented new low.
A New Reality
Friday’s confrontation flared over differing visions of how to end Russia’s three-year-old invasion, with Zelensky seeking strong security guarantees from a Trump administration that has embraced diplomacy with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainians React
Ukrainians, many of them hardened by three years of war, rallied around Zelensky but also expressed dismay about the future of US backing for Kyiv’s war effort as larger and better equipped Russian forces march across swathes of the east.
"Trump and Putin are dividing up the world – that’s what I would say. I don’t know what will come of it," said Kyiv resident Liudmyla Stetsevych, 47.
However, she and other Ukrainians interviewed by Reuters expressed hope that Ukraine’s allies in Europe would boost political and military support if the US dialled back its own.
"We are really very grateful to (the US) for the support we have received all this time and continue to receive, but our dignity and honour should come first," said Alina Zhaivoronko, standing near a sea of small flags in central Kyiv commemorating Ukraine’s war dead.
"The Americans don’t know the real situation, what’s going on here," said 54-year-old Ella Kazantseva, an east Ukraine native. "They don’t understand. Everything is beautiful for them."
European Leaders Respond
European leaders also leapt to Zelensky’s defence following the spat on Friday in an outpouring of support on social media.
Zelensky to Meet Starmer
Ukrainian lawmaker Andrii Osadchuk said he had not been surprised by the tone from Trump and Vance, and that it was further evidence that Kyiv’s Western partners would need to do more.
Top officials, including Zelensky, have sought to cast Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s full-scale invasion as central to European security more broadly.
"Not just a lot, but probably everything will depend on Europe – both for itself and for Ukraine," Osadchuk told Reuters.
Zelensky will meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday, Starmer’s office said, ahead of a wider summit of European leaders in London on Sunday to discuss a security backstop to any peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv.
EU leaders are also expected to meet later next week to discuss an increase in defence spending.
Conclusion
As Ukraine’s relations with the US reach a new low, the country’s European allies are expected to step up their support, providing a much-needed boost to Ukraine’s war effort. The question remains, however, whether this increased support will be enough to stem the tide of Russian aggression and bring an end to the conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current state of relations between Ukraine and the US?
A: Relations have reached a new low, with a White House clash between President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump plunging ties between Kyiv and its top military backer into an unprecedented new low.
Q: What are the differences in opinion between Zelensky and the Trump administration?
A: Zelensky is seeking strong security guarantees from the Trump administration, while the administration has embraced diplomacy with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Q: How have Ukrainians reacted to the situation?
A: Many Ukrainians have rallied around Zelensky, while also expressing concern about the future of US backing for Kyiv’s war effort.
Q: What is the expected response from European leaders?
A: European leaders are expected to boost political and military support for Ukraine, providing a much-needed boost to the country’s war effort.