Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says New Zealand “remains steadfast in its support” for Ukraine after what he called a “robust exchange” between its leader Volodymyr Zelensky and US president Donald Trump.
It follows astonished reactions after Trump and his vice president verbally berated Ukraine’s president in a heated and extraordinary White House meeting.
Luxon, who is currently travelling overseas, issued a statement on New Zealand’s support for Ukraine shortly before 3pm.
The PM said he was “aware of President Trump and Zelensky’s robust exchange.
He continued: “New Zealand remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine as it defends itself in a war that Russia started. It’s mounting the defence of a proud, democratic, sovereign nation, but also the defence of international law.
The last 10 minutes of the nearly 45-minute engagement devolved into a tense back and forth between Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Zelensky. (Source: Associated Press)
“The best route to peace is for Russia to cease its three-year-long illegal and immoral war of aggression. We all want the US and Ukraine working together towards the shared objective of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.”
Luxon’s statement adds to a series of European and other world leaders who have issued statements in support of Ukraine’s position.
Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese told local media earlier today that his country stood “unequivocally with Ukraine in their struggle, because we regard that as a struggle for the upholding of international law.”
The shouting match that unfolded in the final minutes of the highly anticipated meeting between Trump and Zelensky seemed to dash, at least for now, Ukrainian hopes that the United States could be locked in as a reliable partner in helping fend off, and conclude, Russia’s three-year onslaught.
European leaders pledge to stand by Ukraine
Another major leaders’ summit is scheduled in London on Monday, hosted by UK prime minister Keir Starmer. More than a dozen European and EU leaders, including Zelensky, will gather for a meeting meant to drive forward action on Ukraine and security.
Starmer spoke with both Trump and Zelensky on Friday (London time) and maintained his strong support for Ukraine, his office said in a statement.
“He retains unwavering support for Ukraine, and is doing all he can to find a path forward to a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine,” the statement said.
The European leaders’ comments earlier today largely did not mention Trump or Vance, but rather sought to assure Ukraine of their support as the war with Russia enters its fourth year.
Zelensky re-posted their comments on X, formerly Twitter, writing “thank you for your support” to each — likely a dig at the Trump administration.
During the extraordinary meeting Friday in Washington, Trump chided Zelensky after Vance, one of the administration’s most skeptical voices on Ukraine, said he was being disrespectful for debating Trump in the Oval Office in front of the American media.
“Have you said ‘thank you’ once?” Vance asked Zelensky.
The Ukrainian president said four times during the course of their exchange that he was thankful or had already expressed his thanks.
Trump then called off the signing of a minerals deal that he said would have moved Ukraine closer to ending its war with Russia.
Zelensky left the White House shortly after Trump shouted at him, showing open disdain. The White House said the Ukrainian delegation was told to leave.
A senior Ukrainian official said Zelensky spoke to French president Emmanuel Macron, NATO secretary-general Mark Rutte and president of the European Council Antonio Costa after he left the White House, describing all the conversations as “supportive” of the Ukrainian leader. The official, who is familiar with the matter, requested anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly.
Italy’s premier Giorgia Meloni, however, proposed “an immediate summit” between the United States and European allies “to speak frankly about how we intend to face today’s great challenges, starting with Ukraine.” She urged the West to stay united.
Ukraine held sombre ceremonies to mark three years since the full-scale invasion. (Source: 1News)
“Every division of the West makes us all weaker and favors those who would like to see the decline of our civilization,” she said. “A division would not benefit anyone.”
Some tweets on X were directed to Zelensky.
EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen told him “your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President.”
And Friedrich Merz, Germany’s likely next chancellor, wrote: “Dear Volodymyr @zelenskyyua, we stand with #Ukraine in good and in testing times. We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.”
The victory for Merz’s party in Germany’s national election ensured that Ukraine has an even stronger supporter in the European Union’s largest country. Merz during the campaign promised to unite Europe in the face of challenges from both Russia and the United States.
But Alice Weidel, co-leader of the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party and one of Merz’s challengers, wrote “Historic. Trump & Vance!” on X with a link to a video of the meeting. AfD’s platform calls for the immediate lifting of sanctions against Russia and opposes weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Weidel also met with Vance in Munich.
Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán praised Trump for his conduct in the Oval Office, casting Zelensky as working against peace in his own country.
“Strong men make peace, weak men make war,” Orbán wrote.
“Today President Donald Trump stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr. President!”
Orbán is a consistent backer of the Kremlin and has been outspokenly antagonistic against neighboring Ukraine.
After winning the last Hungarian elections in 2022, less than six weeks after Russia’s full-scale invasion, he cited Zelensky as one of the opponents he had defeated in the campaign.
Meanwhile in Estonia, which borders Russia, foreign minister Margus Tsahkna said the only obstacle to peace is Russian president Vladimir Putin ‘s decision to continue the war.
“It is time for Europe to step up,” Tsahkna said in a statement.
“We do not need to wait for something else to happen; Europe has enough resources, including Russia’s frozen assets, to enable Ukraine to continue fighting.”
And Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson’s reminded Ukraine of what’s at stake for the Nordic and Baltic countries, and others, if Russia’s aggression spreads. “You are not only fighting for your freedom but also for all of Europe’s,” Kristersson wrote.
European officials from Austria, he Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland and Spain, among others, also offered their support to Ukraine.
— Additional reporting by the Associated Press