Zelenskyy seeks assist at emergency European summit after bruising Trump encounter – NBC New York

Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday as European leaders grapple with the fallout from a rare on-air change through which the Ukrainian president was loudly berated by Donald Trump, NBC Information reported.

Forward of the assembly, Starmer informed Zelenskyy, “We stand with you, with Ukraine, for so long as it might take. And I hope you’ve heard a few of that cheering on the street that’s the individuals of the UK popping out to show how a lot they assist you, how a lot they assist Ukraine and our absolute dedication to face with you.”

“I need to thanks, the individuals of the UK, such massive assist from the very starting of this struggle,” Zelenskyy informed Starmer.

“We’re actually actually comfortable that now we have such companions and such mates,” the Ukrainian president added, saying that he’d additionally accepted an invite to satisfy with King Charles on Sunday.

Zelenskyy was seen leaving 10 Downing Road with Starmer on Saturday night after their assembly ended. Starmer went again inside, whereas Zelenskyy obtained right into a automotive. Neither made an announcement to the media.

European leaders are set to satisfy on Sunday at an emergency summit to debate Russia and a peace plan for Ukraine.

Britain’s Starmer and President Emmanuel Macron of France have led efforts to persuade Trump to proceed supporting Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia three years in the past. The spat within the Oval Workplace in entrance of the media has referred to as into query whether or not that assist will proceed, and if america will proceed with a dramatic rapprochement with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

Most European international locations got here out in assist of Ukraine, breaking with Washington as variations within the trans-Atlantic alliance constructed over the previous 80 years burst into public view.

“At present it turned clear that the free world wants a brand new chief. It’s as much as us, Europeans, to take this problem,” European Union overseas minister Kaja Kallas stated.

Friday’s assembly was meant to jump-start talks on a deal over Ukraine’s vital minerals, however degenerated into confrontation, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticizing Zelenskyy and telling him he wasn’t grateful sufficient.

European leaders shortly lined as much as assist the Ukrainian chief.

Zelenskyy’s “dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian individuals,” European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen posted on X. “Be sturdy, be courageous, be fearless. You’re by no means alone, pricey President Zelenskyy. We are going to proceed working with you for a simply and lasting peace.”

“We must not ever confuse aggressor and sufferer on this horrible struggle,” wrote Friedrich Merz, the possible subsequent chief of Germany.

Macron stated it was important to respect the Ukrainians “combating for his or her dignity, their independence, for his or her youngsters and for the safety of Europe.”

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who has referred to as on Ukraine’s president to resign within the aftermath of the tense Oval Workplace assembly, slammed European leaders for his or her assist of Zelenskyy.

“The Europeans are piling on in assist of Zelensky. Right here’s my message to the Europeans. Perhaps it’s time so that you can defend your continent,” Graham stated in an interview with Breitbart Radio on Saturday. “Perhaps it’s time so that you can cease hollowing out your navy. And if you wish to use robust rhetoric towards Putin, how about again it up with some muscle?”

Watch the heated change between Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance within the Oval Workplace.

Zelenskyy has remained adamant that safety ensures be included in any settlement to finish the struggle alongside the minerals deal drafted by the White Home. These ensures, he stated, are the one factor that may hold Putin, who has a report of violating agreements, from persevering with to combat in Ukraine and past.

On Friday, Trump informed Zelenskyy he was being “disrespectful” and “playing with World Warfare III.”

“He disrespected america of America in its cherished Oval Workplace,” Trump stated in a submit on his Fact Social web site after the assembly ended. “He can come again when he’s prepared for Peace.”

A day after the contentious Oval Workplace assembly, a White Home official informed NBC Information that direct negotiations between the Trump Administration and Ukraine stay on maintain.

The administration has offered little readability on what it could take for it to reengage with Zelenskyy however when requested earlier than he departed from the White Home on Friday evening, Trump responded that Zelenskyy has “obtained to say I need to make peace” and steered he chorus from “detrimental” feedback about Putin.

Trump additionally informed reporters that Zelenskyy “overplayed his hand” and accused the Ukrainian president of “trying to go on and combat, combat, combat.”

After leaving the White Home, Zelenskyy posted on X, “Thanks America, thanks to your assist, thanks for this go to. Thanks @POTUS, Congress, and the American individuals. Ukraine wants simply and lasting peace, and we’re working precisely for that.”

Throughout a Fox Information interview Friday night, Zelenskyy reiterated his appreciation of U.S. assist however rebuffed calls to apologize for his feedback on the White Home.

Zelenskyy has repeatedly thanked america for its assist. In December 2022, he spoke earlier than each chambers of Congress and his first phrases have been:

“Thanks a lot. Thanks a lot for that. Thanks. It’s an excessive amount of for me. All this for our nice individuals. Thanks a lot. Pricey People, in all states, cities and communities, all those that worth freedom and justice, who cherish it as strongly as we Ukrainians in our cities, in every household, I hope my phrases of respect and gratitude resonate in every American coronary heart.”

In response to the Division of Protection, since February 2022, Congress has appropriated about $183 billion for Ukraine’s protection, although Trump has claimed that the U.S. has spent over $300 billion on support to Ukraine.

Vaughn Hillyard and Nnamdi Egwuonwu contributed.

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