World leaders’ reaction to Zelenskyy-Trump’s Oval Office spat exposes cracks in Western alliance

The unprecedented showdown between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting at the White House, saw global leaders rallying behind the latter, exposing the differences between America and Europe over Ukraine.

Zelenskyy, who had arrived to sign a key minerals deal with the US which was imperative for America’s continued support in Ukraine’s fight against Russia, departed the White House abruptly after engaging in a verbal duel with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, with the duo accusing the Ukrainian president of not being grateful to America for its support, and for “gambling with World War III”.

Zelenskyy left soon after the exchange in the Oval Office, with the joint press conference scheduled between Trump and Zelenskyy and a bilateral lunch getting cancelled, leaving the minerals agreement in limbo.

The Democrats severely criticised Trump’s handling of the affair. Senator Chris Coons pointed to Zelenskyy’s frequent thanks to Americans, while Senator Adam Schiff praised the Ukrainian’s grit against what he called Trump’s sulkiness. The clash only widened America’s political rift, fuelling rows over foreign policy priorities.

The fallout between Ukraine and the US has split the world’s reaction down the middle. European leaders, lately keen to cosy up to Trump—think French President Emmanuel Macron reminiscing about Notre Dame or British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s charm offensive—rallied round Zelenskyy. EU foreign policy boss Kaja Kallas slammed the US tack, urging Europe to step up as Ukraine’s main backer and even take the reins of the free world. Macron and Germany’s soon-to-be Chancellor Friedrich Merz flatly rejected Trump’s wishy-washy line on the war, pinning Russia as the clear aggressor. Poland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Spain, Latvia, Lithuania and EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen chimed in, signalling a growing European unity.

This mess goes beyond just the two countries, exposing cracks in the Western alliance at a shaky global juncture. Trump’s readiness to publicly humiliate an ally—breaking diplomatic norms—suggests a US leadership more fussed about home-front image than global teamwork. Europe’s warm backing of Zelenskyy, plus talk of rejigging world leadership, hints at a possible transatlantic shake-up. If Europe doubles down on Ukraine, it could be a turning point in the postwar order, chipping away at America’s old role as the West’s leader.

Russia pounced on the chance to twist the knife. Kremlin bigwig Dmitry Medvedev crowed over Zelenskyy’s humiliation, hammering home Moscow’s tale of Western disarray. The Kremlin’s delight underscored the edge it gained from the US-Ukraine bust-up, potentially tilting the battlefield in its favour.

For Russia, the episode boosts its hand, opening a chance to crank up pressure on Ukraine as Western resolve wobbles. Moscow’s spin machine is already on it, painting the US as a flaky ally—a line that will hit home in places wary of American clout.