'Free world needs a new leader': Europe defends Zelenskyy after Trump attack
By: Christian Oliver, Giovanna Faggionato, Victor Goury-Laffont and Max Griera (POLITICO)
WOW! This turned out much, much better than could have been hoped for and will pay huge dividends far into the future. Trump, the bumbling buffoon, has ended 85 years of European grift. By accident or by design? Who knows, who cares, as long as it worked. And POLITICO has, perhaps unwittingly, disclosed the justification for blowing up the status quo.
European countries have been committing the United States to guaranteeing the security of Ukraine. That's been Volodomyr Zelensky's wheedling influence in Washington D.C. The recent parade of European leaders through the Oval Office have been attempting to commit the United States to guaranteeing Ukrainian security using fawning guile, gaslighting, and carefully crafted platitudes. That's worked for every President since Richard Nixon. But not Trump? Really?
European reliance on the US taxpayer and the American soldier has been their substitute for defense planning and preparation. Europe has shifted the responsibility of guaranteeing European security onto the United States. That's why, after 11 years of war in Ukraine, the Europeans have expected the United States to win a war of attrition in Ukraine. Europe just can't be expected to make the sacrifices that would be required. (Hasn't anyone noticed that Russian gas has been flowing through Ukraine until the beginning of this year?) There hasn't been an incentive for Europe to defend itself since the creation of the European Union and the dismantling of the Soviet Union. Until Trump came along. Maybe the bumbling buffoon is more brilliant than Euro-centric liberals want to acknowledge.
There wasn't a peace dividend for US taxpayers when the Berlin wall was torn down. The Soviet threat was replaced with European existential helplessness against threats that were intellectualized into being. European countries sat back and basked in the slacker glow of having scammed US taxpayers. The European flimflam has worked with every modern President except Trump. Really? Trump?
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
BRUSSELS ― European leaders on Friday rallied to defend Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after United States President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance subjected him to a tirade of withering and infantilizing abuse in the Oval Office.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said: "Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It's up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge."
In what may prove a significant turning point in the tottering postwar Western alliance between Europe and the United States, the Europeans pushed back against Washington's increasing alignment with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Trump's browbeating of Zelenskyy.
"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 attempts to treat the two sides evenly. "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 noted that the U.S. had not been the only country to support Kyiv, stressing that it was also backed by European countries, Canada and Japan.
In the Oval Office, Trump told Zelenskyy his refusal to concede to Russia at the negotiating table was "gambling with World War III."
Later, Macron told Portuguese television: "If someone is playing World War III, his name is Vladimir Putin."
Major rift
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 Trump's hectoring treatment of Ukraine and its leader.
While European leaders have been pushing for a comprehensive deal in which the U.S. would offer postwar security guarantees, Trump has resisted such suggestions and has concentrated his efforts on boasting that he can get Ukraine — rather than Russia — to repay America for aid through a deal on critical raw materials.
Leaving little doubt of his preference for Putin over Zelenskyy, Trump 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 and should give up invaded land.
European leaders on Friday rallied to defend Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. | Tetiana Dzhafarova/Getty Images
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 said: "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 messages of support.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted: "Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President@ZelenskyyUa." In coordinated communication, the presidents of the European Council and Parliament sent out the same message.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stressed that his country stood behind Ukraine, saying "their fight is our fight," while Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp underlined support for Ukraine would come in the form of "whatever it takes, for as long as it takes."
Italy's hard-right leader Giorgia Meloni, a close Trump ally, called on Europeans not to allow deep divisions to open up with Washington and said Rome would, in the hours ahead, call for an EU-U.S. summit to get diplomacy back on track.
"What is needed is an immediate summit between the United States, European states, and allies to talk frankly about how we intend to deal with the great challenges of today, starting with Ukraine, which together we have defended in recent years," she said.
As it is, some European leaders will meet among themselves in London on Sunday at the invitation of U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Zelenskyy is due to join them. A spokesperson for Starmer said he'd spoken to Zelenskyy and Trump on Friday night.
Starmer "retains unwavering support for Ukraine," the spokesperson said.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban took the opposite approach, thanking Trump for standing "bravely for peace."
"Strong men make peace, weak men make war," Orban posted on X.
Rasmus Buchsteiner, Hanne Cokelaere, Max Griera Andreu, Jan Cienski, Hans von der Burchard, Pieter Haeck and Seb Starcevic contributed reporting.
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Why were eleven journalists required for this reporting? Seems like someone might be padding their expense account.
Or they were local to each European country cited in the article. Sometimes a tree is just a tree.
Where is Volodymyr Zelenskyy going to lead the free world?
Some can't answer questions.
I have one: Is it possible that certain people encouraged Zelensky to act the way he did before that meeting?
If they were American citizens, they are guilty of treason.
I think the better answer is they just won't.
"s it possible that certain people encouraged Zelensky to act the way he did before that meeting?"
I understand it was Zelensky's advisors that told him to show respect and not try to negotiate in the Oval Office. If that is true, it is even more his mess up.
Then who was leading the free world before Trump was reelected?
Vic - I've had this thought since before the TV issue and it is - Zelensky was a former entertainer as was Trump prior to their elections - and both know how to work their audiences.
I wouldn't put it past them/their "advisors" to have STAGED the debacle on TV in a serious attempt to get Europe to get off their azzes and start giving more support to Ukraine - as NATO nations are supposed to do.
And??? Well, France and Britain and Norway and a few other Euro countries are stepping up to give Ukraine assistance in the "Peace Negotiations" between the two countries.
Europe seeks to take control of Ukraine negotiations, after Zelensky’s nightmare Trump visit sparks panic
So, Trump's/Zelensky's "faux tirades" worked - just as planned.
I have one as well Vic .. Who the F is Zelensky? He leaves a TV show to become the leader of Ukraine in 2019 .. fast forward 3 years to 2022 and he has the world powers falling all over themselves to send him money and top of the line weapons... Zelensky came straight out of TV land to become some sort of comic book hero to the US .. if not the world .. WTF?
P.s ... To your question ..rumor has it that Senator Chris Murphy (D) Connecticut told Zelensky not to move forward with the mineral deal - I can only find 2 sources that say that though.
Peace
Good theory 1st .. I cannot even pretend to have an answer, except to say that President Trump wanted this deal .. I do not see him playing footsie with Zelensky and intentionally sabotaging it, thus risking the EU getting their hands on the rare earth minerals the US truly needs to remain on top militarily.
Trump's posturing and recent moves to throw an ally under the bus in favor of the aggressor is treading dangerously close to providing aid and comfort to the enemy. Literally treason per the Constitution.
You said it, back it up.
What if it were Trump that suggested it?
“Just finished a meeting with President Zelensky here in Washington. He confirmed that the Ukrainian people will not support a fake peace agreement where Putin gets everything he wants and there are no security arrangements for Ukraine,” Murphy’s office posted on X at 11:15 a.m. Friday.
He attached a picture of Zelensky at a conference table, with Murphy seated on the opposite side.
Sounds like Murphy and other democrats screwed up a good peace deal just to "get Trump".
I hope they are happy........
They probably are.
It is obvious leftists are wrong on every 80/20 debate.
Murphy is proof of that.
Is a Fascist who:
You might want to chose your leaders more carefully.
OOOOooo most definitely, because every so call 'democracy' needs a leader that restricts opposition by banning their activity and nationalizes the TV news by combining all TV platforms into one state broadcast. Journalists and groups that keep an eye on the freedom of the press are raising alarms... but by all means make Zelensky the leader of the free world! Just think Erdogan of Turkey could be his VP!! Putin could be Secretary of State???
Not even Evil dictator Trump has pretended to do that, but President Trump is the tyrant, right?
Zelensky cannot let this war end - once martial law ends, most likely his reign ends ..
We don't know who is pulling Zelensky's strings. And we don't know if Ukraine is trying to play both sides. Russian gas was flowing through Ukraine until two months ago. And Ukraine cited legal mumbo-jumbo as justification rather than war talk. European military stockpiles have been depleted. US stockpiles have also been depleted and the great military-industrial complex is struggling to replace what Ukraine has consumed. Europe is more vulnerable today than it was four years ago. Thanks to Ukraine.
China has become Ukraine's largest trading partner for both imports and exports. China has inserted itself into the war as peacemaker with its 2023 peace plan. Now we know Chinese ships, out of Russian ports, have been damaging cables and pipelines connecting Germany to the newest members of NATO. Has China gained a foothold in Europe thanks to Ukraine?
As Europe and the United States become weaker by supporting Ukraine, China becomes stronger. The United States directly confronting Russia will leave us vulnerable to Chinese threats. The United States is in danger of winning the wrong war. Thanks to Ukraine.
Nope, he could be the anti-Christ for all anyone knows, and the next step will be tattooing 666 on one's forehead in order to show support .. perhaps ?
Interestingly enough in 2014 China sued Ukraine over a 3-billion-dollar loan for grain that Ukraine sold to someone else rather than fulfill the loan agreement. Granted this is long before Zelensky came to power - but it is pretty much the story of Ukraine as a money pit - a 15 billion dollar loan from Russia was negotiated in 2013 - Ukraine took 5 billion just before the coup that overthrew Yanukovych - shortly after that the EU and former President Obama began wining and dining the interim Prime Minister of Ukraine and handing over cash - remember the Biden quid pro quo?
Supporting Ukraine has weakened most of the world powers .. but the EU is sacrificing their own security in a misguided attempt to protect themselves from Russia / Putin's aggression. Russia wants nothing to do with a conflict with the US .. Putin takes what he knows he can get away with .. think back to the initial invasion - Putin could have taken Kiev, but his goal was to take eastern Ukraine .. people say Trump plays checkers while Putin plays chess - HA! Meanwhile, the world is playing mouse to Putin's cat... and Putin is enjoying watching the laser light on the floor, but is not taking the bait.
In 2014 this could all have been avoided by letting the Ukraine join the EU - yet the EU did not want them and still does not want them .. Ukraine is a money pit.
Step to it assholes. See how far you get wasting your resources trying to build a military large enough and capable enough of defending yourselves; but your ideals and goals abroad. Given how much you have fucked the planet up back when France, Britain, and Germany were world super powers- I am sure you will be screaming for us to come bail your asses out again.
He obviously took speech lessons from Kamala Harris. Notice he didn't state the security of the US? Must also think we are stupid. Russia has been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt it is not a threat to the world (outside of nuclear); nor is it a threat to Europe. But the prattling hens of the EU continue to push their false narrative. Want Russia- send your own damn forces to fight them. You promised the moon to Ukraine- but delivered them shit on those promises. From the looks of it the US aid and military bank to Ukraine is finally closed.
Continuous poking of the Russian Bear by NATO flipping former satellite states had nothing to do with it./S
Remember the Cuban missile crisis? Same damn difference- except there isn't an water separating Ukraine and Russia. It is literally their back door. Putin warned what would happen- he was ignored repeatedly. NATO is no longer a defensive organization. Iraq, Libya, Serbia, and Syria have proven it. Go against a member country's wishes- and you will be attacked.
Proving Europe is as out of touch with reality as Zelenskyy is. Ukraine is losing the war. Losers don't get to dictate terms. Russia isn't going to pay shit. Putin can continue the war for as long as needed to take Ukraine. Ukraine will run out of fighters well before Russia does.
Europe wants to commit the US to fascist Ukraine's defense? Time for Europe to follow through with their words for a change. I remember during Trump's first term the EU was going to form it's own army. Well, where the fuck is it? It is needed right now! I will believe the EU is more than just a bunch of weak, pathetic politicians, puffing themselves up before the media when they take action. They had better be careful not to start WWIII while doing it. It doesn't matter who starts a nuclear war- we are all going to lose.
It's been made abundantly clear that roughly half the nation is very stupid as they voted for a convicted felon and accused rapist who is now dragging our country through the mud and abandoning the reputation we once had for being fierce defenders of western democracy and defenders of our allies. It is a very sad time for patriotic Americans who are being forced to watch such childish behavior, but I'm sure it's a hoot for those who love wallowing in their own ignorance and don't give a fuck about our standing in the world or being a defender of western democracy. In fact it appears many on the right have been being fed rightwing propaganda from RT and other fascist sources to where many in our own country are actively working against western democracy because that's what their puppet master Putin wants. And I hear many conservatives here regurgitating those same talking points daily and it truly is disgusting to watch.
Ah, so the message rightwing conservatives are sending to Putin is basically "Hey, if a country is weaker than you, go ahead and attack them because if they can't defend themselves, it's open season! Who cares about allies and friendships among western democracies, if a country is smaller than Russia then it's fair game for Putin to murder however many people he needs to in order to bring that country under Russian control! You're welcome Mr. Putin! Please let us know if there's anything else you'd like us, the rightwing conservatives in America, to do. Perhaps lick your feet?".
Aren't we pretty stupid? We're going to be eating Turkey eggs. The Brits don't have chickens? French hens don't lay eggs?
What has Europe done for the United States lately? Europeans like our free government money as much as the US financial sector. And, like our financial sector, we don't seem to be getting anything worthwhile from the deal with Europe. That doesn't sound very smart, does it?
Sadly true. It damn sure isn't us anymore. The tyrant in the White House wants to align us with the authoritarian world instead.
Voting against our own U.N. resolution condemning Russia as the aggressor in the war and calling for immediate withdrawal – alongside Russia, Belarus, Hungary and North Korea – made that clear.
What a disgrace.