The world watched in shock as a dramatic confrontation unfolded in the Oval Office between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. What was supposed to be a diplomatic meeting turned into a heated argument, leaving Ukraine’s most crucial ally, the United States, in a precarious position regarding its military support.
In response, European leaders gathered in London for an emergency summit, reaffirming their commitment to Ukraine and increasing military aid to counterbalance the uncertainty stemming from Washington. The summit, led by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and attended by leaders from France, Germany, and Canada, aimed to present a unified European stance on the war.
A Fractured Relationship on Display
The tensions between Trump and Zelensky became public when their Oval Office meeting, initially intended to secure a minerals agreement between Ukraine and the U.S., spiralled into a confrontation. The argument reportedly began when Zelensky requested security guarantees in case of another Russian invasion, a request that Trump and Vice President JD Vance perceived as an insult rather than a negotiation point.
At one point, Trump, visibly agitated, leaned forward and said, “You’re gambling with World War III, Volodymyr. That’s not how you negotiate.”
Zelensky, maintaining his composure, responded firmly, “Mr. President, we are not gambling. We are fighting for our survival. If you were in my position, you would ask the same.”
Vice President Vance, known for his scepticism toward continued aid to Ukraine, interjected, “Frankly, we’ve done enough. Instead of demanding more, maybe a little gratitude is in order.”
Zelensky, unfazed, replied, “Gratitude? My people are dying. This is about survival, not gratitude.”
The meeting abruptly ended with Trump refusing to sign the minerals deal and walking out, leaving Zelensky stunned.
European Leaders Rally Around Zelensky
Hours later, as Zelensky landed in London for the emergency summit, he was met with a starkly different reception. The Ukrainian leader was greeted with loud cheers outside 10 Downing Street. Prime Minister Starmer embraced him warmly, reassuring him of Britain’s unwavering support.
At the summit, Starmer addressed the gathered leaders: “This is a once-in-a-generation moment for European security. We will not waver. We are doubling down on our commitment to Ukraine.”
French President Emmanuel Macron nodded in agreement, adding, “This war is not just Ukraine’s war. It is a fight for all of Europe. If Kyiv falls, who is next?”
During the discussions, Starmer emphasized the need to ensure Ukraine negotiates from a position of strength rather than weakness. “We cannot let Kyiv be sidelined. Any peace talks must include Ukraine as an equal participant,” he asserted.
The leaders agreed to continue or even boost their military aid to Ukraine, with Starmer announcing an additional $2.7 billion loan backed by frozen Russian assets and a $2 billion export financing deal for Ukrainian air defense systems.
The Fallout in Washington
While Europe solidified its stance, the Trump administration doubled down on blaming Zelensky for the disastrous Oval Office meeting.
National Security Adviser Michael Waltz said on Fox News, “Zelensky was incredibly disrespectful. He came here not to negotiate, but to demand.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio took it a step further, accusing the Ukrainian leader of actively disrupting U.S. efforts to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.
“We were this close to getting Putin to talk,” Rubio claimed. “But Zelensky, with his constant grandstanding, sabotaged everything.”
Trump’s allies in Congress echoed similar sentiments. House Speaker Mike Johnson declared, “Instead of expressing gratitude for the extraordinary help the U.S. has provided, Zelensky chose to berate and interrupt his host. That’s not diplomacy.”
However, not all Republicans agreed. Senator James Lankford pushed back on Trump’s narrative, stating, “Zelensky is rightfully seeking security assurances. Putin has violated past peace agreements before—why would he not do so again?”
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders also condemned the backlash against Zelensky, calling Republican suggestions that he should resign “horrific.”
“Zelensky is leading a country that is fighting for democracy against an authoritarian aggressor. The idea that he should step down is absurd,” Sanders said in an interview.
Europe’s Next Move: A ‘Coalition of the Willing’
As Washington distanced itself from Kyiv, Europe sought to fill the void. Starmer and Macron announced plans to create a “coalition of the willing”—a group of nations committed to Ukraine’s long-term security, potentially even deploying European troops in the future.
Macron floated the idea of a one-month truce, suggesting, “A ceasefire in the air, at sea, and on energy infrastructure could be a first step. If it holds, we can move toward a broader settlement.”
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has maintained closer ties with Trump than other European leaders, faced a delicate balancing act. “Italy can play a key role in bridge-building,” she said cautiously, though her coalition partner, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, openly sided with Trump, arguing, “It’s time to stop wasting resources on this war.”
U.S. Suspends Military Aid to Ukraine
Days after the Oval Office debacle, Trump delivered another blow to Ukraine by ordering an immediate pause on all military aid.
According to a senior Defence Department official, “All military equipment not currently in Ukraine is halted, including weapons in transit.”
This decision marks a significant shift from Trump’s earlier stance, as military aid had continued despite previous budget restrictions. However, after the public spat, Trump and Vice President Vance seemed eager to send a message: Ukraine could no longer rely on unconditional U.S. support.
Unexpected Backlash: Norwegian Oil Giant Cuts U.S. Military Fuel Supply
Trump’s treatment of Zelensky has not only strained U.S.-European relations but has also prompted unexpected economic consequences. One of Norway’s largest oil and shipping companies, Haltbakk Bunkers, announced it would no longer supply fuel to the U.S. military in protest.
The company’s CEO, Gunnar Gran, released a scathing statement:
“We have witnessed the biggest disgrace ever presented live on TV by the current American president. Zelensky showed restraint despite being publicly humiliated. We refuse to do business with the U.S. military under this administration.”
In an interview with a Norwegian newspaper, Gran stood firm, saying, “Not a single litre will be delivered until Trump is finished.”
Haltbakk Bunkers had already ceased operations with Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, a move that cost them millions. “We have a moral compass,” Gran explained. “Now, the U.S. is excluded due to their behaviour toward Ukraine.”
What Lies Ahead?
As Europe fortifies its support for Ukraine, the U.S. faces a crossroads in its foreign policy approach. Trump’s decision to withhold military aid has raised alarms not only in Kyiv but also among America’s European allies, who are now being forced to take on a greater share of Ukraine’s defence.
Starmer, in his closing remarks at the London summit, summarized the European stance: “Beyond the frayed nerves, we must return to calm, respect, and recognition of what is at stake. We will not let Ukraine stand alone.”
Zelensky, despite the setbacks, remains resolute. “This is not about one bad meeting or one lost ally,” he said in a press briefing. “This is about our survival, and we will fight for it—with or without the U.S.”
For now, Ukraine looks to Europe for security, as the once unwavering alliance with Washington faces its most serious test yet.
