EU defends Zelensky against Trump’s accusations and announces new sanctions against Russia

After Trump’s statements, the European Union stands in defence of Zelensky and prepares a new sanctions package against Moscow

In the aftermath of US President Donald Trump’s heavy accusations against Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, called a ‘dictator’ who does not submit to ‘elections’, the European Union responded by reiterating its support for Ukraine’s democratic legitimacy. Trump’s stance, reminiscent of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arguments, found immediate opposition from several European leaders.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Zelensky a ‘democratically elected’ leader, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz commented: ‘It is simply wrong and dangerous to deny the democratic legitimacy of President Zelensky’. The European Union, through Commission spokesman Stefan de Keersmaecker, also clarified: ‘Volodymyr Zelensky was elected in democratic, free and fair elections. Ukraine is a democracy, Russia is not’.

In this context, European Council President Antonio Costa announced that he will visit Kiev on 24 February, the anniversary of the large-scale Russian invasion, together with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Both intend to reiterate the EU’s support for Ukraine and its democratically elected president. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed a similar visit, reaffirming Spain’s commitment to support Ukrainian democracy.

Also on 24 February, in Brussels, EU foreign ministers will launch the 16th sanctions package against Russia. Among the planned measures, particular attention will be paid – as stated by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas – to the so-called ‘shadow fleet’ of oil tankers used by Moscow to circumvent the oil price ceiling. Meanwhile, veiled threats continue to come from Moscow, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressing concern over reports of a possible deployment of 30,000 European soldiers in Ukraine, an issue that ‘generates concern’ for Russia’s security.

For her part, Ursula von der Leyen attended the Caricom summit, reiterating the importance of upholding multilateralism and the right of peoples to choose their own future, principles that have underpinned the EU’s support for Ukraine since the beginning of the war.

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