European leaders expressed their support for Ukraine after Friday morning’s tense meeting between President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
From France to Poland, world leaders reacted to the news of the critical minerals deal falling apart as Zelenskyy left Washington, D.C., earlier than expected and without peace talks.
The deal revolved around Trump’s hopes of recouping the money the U.S. has spent on the Ukraine war by splitting the revenue from Kyiv’s large swath of critical mineral resources. But Zelenskyy is insistent that there would be no deal without security guarantees — a promise the Trump-Vance administration seemed unwilling to make.
The Ukrainian president left the White House earlier than expected after clashing with Trump and Vice President JD Vance. He did not sign the deal despite Trump telling him he doesn’t have “any cards.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump called it a “meaningful meeting.”
“Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure,” Trump said. “It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations.”
Trump continued: “I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
Trump, sitting between Zelenskyy and Vance in the Oval Office, told reporters that France and the United Kingdom are willing to help Ukraine with security. Leaders from both nations — President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer — met with Trump in the last two weeks.
But news of Friday morning’s meeting sent shockwaves through Europe which banded together behind Kyiv.
Here’s how some European leaders reacted
French President Emmanuel Macron in a post on X said: “There is an aggressor: Russia. There is an assaulted people: Ukraine.”
“We were all right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago and to continue doing so,” he said, referring to the U.S., Europe, Canada and Japan.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had a similar message. “Russia illegally and unjustifiably invaded Ukraine,” he said. “Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and Ukrainians in achieving a just and lasting peace.”
Poland Prime Minister Donald Tusk in a post wrote, “Dear (Zelenskyy), dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also chimed in on X.
“Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians do,” he said. “Therefore we are working on a common path to a lasting and just peace. Ukraine can rely on Germany – and on Europe.
Meanwhile, Kirill Dmitriev, the special envoy to Russian President Vladimir Putin, called the testing exchange “historic.”
Reactions in Utah
Jonathan Freedom, president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah, and an honorary consul of Ukraine, responded to a request for a statement from Deseret News about the breakdown in peace talks.
“World Trade Center Utah facilitates international trade solutions for Utah businesses. Though not involved in the negotiations, we are committed to supporting constructive resolutions to the war in Ukraine. We recognize the impact on global markets and Utah businesses,” he said. “We will continue to monitor developments, advocate for long-term solutions, and emphasize the urgent need for a compassionate end to this war. We call for constructive dialogue to achieve lasting peace, fully acknowledging the devastating human toll the war has taken and its far-reaching global implications.”
Rep. Jordan Teuscher, whose wife is Ukrainian, responded to a Deseret News request for a statement about the latest friction.
“Utah continues to stand with Ukraine, and I remain committed to supporting its people in their fight for freedom. While I respect President Trump’s leadership, the United States must remain a steadfast ally to Ukraine and a leader in the fight against Russian aggression. Weakening our support now could not only endanger Ukraine’s sovereignty but also destabilize Europe and lead to larger problems that threaten U.S. security. I hope that both President Trump and President Zelenskyy will let cooler heads prevail and work toward a solution that secures lasting peace and stability.”