'Be strong, you will never be alone': Europe supports Zelensky after Trump's booing

BarcelonaDonald Trump has booed Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office in front of cameras around the world, accused him of playing with a Third World War and threatened to withdraw US military aid in the face of a Russian invasion. After the pitiful spectacle, European leaders were quick to express their solidarity with the Ukrainian.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has praised Zelensky's attitude as a gesture of dignity. "Be strong, be brave, do not be afraid. You will never be alone," the German told him.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who clearly failed to get through when Trump visited last week, has called for "respect for those who have been fighting from the beginning, because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, their children and the security of Europe." Macron has recalled that Russia is the aggressor state, in response to the American, who had presented himself as "an arbitrator, a mediator, between two parties that have shown a lot of hostility."

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, one of Ukraine's staunchest allies within Europe, has shot back: "Dear President Zelensky, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone."

Spanish President Pedro Sánchez also wanted to respond with a "Ukraine, Spain is with you" message in Spanish, English and Ukrainian.

Speaking to state television, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr criticised Trump for accusing Zelensky of playing with a Third World War and reiterated his support for "Ukraine and its fight for freedom". "I hope that the Trump administration will also understand the importance of a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine."

In the Baltic republics, where the Russian threat is also very much alive, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that "the only obstacle to peace is Putin's decision to continue his war of aggression."

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina simply tweeted "Latvia stands with Ukraine" with the flags of both countries waving.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala tweeted: "We stand with Ukraine and the free world!"

But Trump and Putin also have allies in Europe. Former Italian Prime Minister, far-right Matteo Salvini, wanted to praise the US president's attitude by posting a video of the explosive meeting on Twitter: "We want the PAU, let's stop the war. Go Donald Trump,"