Zelensky Reacts To Oval Office Clash, Trump Attacks: 'Ukraine Needs Just And Lasting Peace'

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted on Friday to the Oval Office clash by thanking U.S. counterpart Donald Trump, Congress "and the American people" for their support.

"Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that," Zelensky added in a publication on X after leaving the White House.

The aftermath of the clash is dominating headlines worldwide, with European leaders voicing support for Zelensky, while Trump allies defend the U.S. president's behavior.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sent a comforting message to Zelensky, telling him and his "dear Ukrainian friends" that they are "not alone."

Spanish President Pedro Sanchez issued a similar message, saying "Spain stands with you." French President Emmanuel Macron, on his end, said he believes "we all were right to have helped Ukraine and sanctioned Russia three years ago, and to continue to do so."

"There's an aggressor, which is Russia, and a people attacked, which is Ukraine," Macron added during a state visit to Portugal.

Zelensky left the White House on Friday after the public clash, in which Trump and Vance accused him at the Oval Office of being "disrespectful" and not thanking the U.S. enough for support sent throughout the war.

The heads of state were supposed to sign a deal centered on U.S. access to Ukraine's rare minerals, seen by observers as a first step toward potentially ending the war with Russia. The deal was not signed following the heated exchange, with the White House saying Zelensky and his delegation were told to leave after the incident. They didn't have the planned lunch with their U.S. counterparts either.

"We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It's amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelensky is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations," Trump said in a publication on his social media platform, Truth Social.

"I don't want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace," the statement adds.