Zelensky thanks allies after Trump's 'thankless' jab, as Europe reaffirms support

This comes two days after the showdown at the White House when Donald Trump shouted down Zelensky for not being thankful for the military and financial aid Ukraine has been receiving from the United States.

"Of course, we understand the importance of America, and we are grateful for all the support we've received from the United States. There has not been a day when we haven't felt gratitude. It's gratitude for the preservation of our independence – our resilience in Ukraine is based on what our partners are doing for us – and for their own security," he said after attending a key summit on the Russia-Ukraine war in London.

According to media reports, the interaction was described as a “shouting contest,” and Trump and Vance clearly told Zelensky that Ukraine’s ability to resist Russia was entirely dependent on US aid.

Amid the heated exchange, Zelensky left the White House without securing a minerals deal, which was seen as a potential step towards a US-backed ceasefire.

"You don't have the cards right now," Trump said. "You're either going to make a deal or we're out, and if we're out, you'll fight it out, and I don't think it's going to be pretty."

After Zelensky’s exit, Donald Trump wrote on social media that the Ukrainian leader "can come back when he is ready for peace."

Following the heated exchange, European leaders issued statements backing Kyiv. In response to the support, Zelensky thanked each of them separately.

According to US media reports, Zelensky was asked to leave the White House.

Later, Trump accused him of obstructing efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire with Russia.

Trump said that Zelensky was "overplaying his hand", while Zelensky told Fox News in an interview he wasn’t sure that Ukraine had done something bad and refused to apologise.

Europe assures 'unwavering' support to Ukraine

Trump’s dramatic confrontation with Zelensky shocked European leaders.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed solidarity, stating, "You are not alone."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had recently met Trump in Washington, spoke with both Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following the clash. Starmer reaffirmed Britain's "unwavering support" for Ukraine.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for an emergency summit involving the United States, European nations, and other allies to discuss Ukraine's defense strategy.

Meanwhile, US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump and Senator JD Vance of "doing Putin's dirty work."

Zelensky personally responded to every message of solidarity from the UK, Canada, Sweden, and several other nations.

Russia lauds Trump

Meanwhile, Moscow welcomed the rift between Washington and Kyiv.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev ridiculed Zelensky, calling him an "insolent pig" who had been "properly slapped down in the Oval Office."

A spokeswoman for Russia's foreign ministry commended Trump and Vance for their composure, stating, "How Trump and Vance held back from hitting that scumbag is a miracle of restraint."