Britain, Germany and Poland reaffirm their support for Volodymyr Zelensky after Donald Trump’s criticism

The United Kingdom, Germany and Poland reaffirmed their support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday after Donald Trump said that Ukraine needed a new leader. The reactions came amid an exchange of remarks between the American and Ukrainian presidents, against the backdrop of the war and efforts to resume peace negotiations.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he was “absolutely convinced” that no one could defeat Ukraine and assured his counterpart of Poland’s and Europe’s full solidarity. In Germany, politician Johann Wadephul called for increased pressure on Moscow to persuade Russia to return to the negotiating table.

British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said London remained alongside Ukraine and Zelensky, stressing that only the Ukrainian people should decide who leads their country. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham had previously spoken with Zelensky and promised tougher sanctions against Russia.

Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil facilities and said it was time for Ukraine to have a new president. Zelensky responded that Kyiv would halt attacks on Russian refineries if Moscow stopped strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.