Europeans scramble to show leadership of the ‘free world’ as U.S. alliance fractures
President Trump has shredded America’s defense pact with Europe. Now there are signs that longstanding allies are getting serious about cutting their dependence.
LONDON — Even before the extraordinary Oval Office bust-up between presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, relations between Washington and Europe were fraying dramatically.
Now — after Friday’s diplomatic implosion between Trump, Zelenskyy and Vice President JD Vance — it’s not clear what the way back could be for the transatlantic alliance built over the past 80 years.
European leaders lined up to support Zelenskyy in an effective rebuke to Trump, who told his Ukrainian counterpart he was being “disrespectful” and “gambling with World War III” by defending his country against Russia’s invasion.
Zelenskyy’s “dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people,” European president Ursula von der Leyen posted on X. “Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President Zelenskyy. We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.”
President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Oval Office on Friday.Andrew Harnik / Getty ImagesFriedrich Merz, the likely next leader of Germany, wrote that “we must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.” While French President Emmanuel Macron said it was essential to respect the Ukrainians “fighting for their dignity, their independence, for their children and for the security of Europe.”
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