Paris: France’s Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has strongly criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump over his recent verbal attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling it a “staggering show of brutality” at a time when Ukraine is fighting for its survival.
Speaking at a press briefing in Paris, Attal expressed disbelief and outrage over Trump’s remarks, in which the former president mocked Zelenskyy and questioned the ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine. Attal said that Trump’s rhetoric not only undermines global solidarity but also disrespects the suffering of the Ukrainian people, who have endured two years of relentless conflict following Russia’s full-scale invasion.
‘Not Just an Insult to Zelenskyy, But to All Defenders of Democracy’
“The brutality of these remarks is staggering, not just in their tone, but in their complete disregard for the reality on the ground,” Attal said. “This is not merely an attack on President Zelenskyy, but on every nation and leader standing up for sovereignty, democracy, and international law.”
France Reaffirms Support for Ukraine
Attal also used the moment to reiterate France’s steadfast support for Ukraine, vowing that European unity in the face of Russian aggression would not be shaken by partisan political statements from across the Atlantic.
He warned that Trump’s comments risk emboldening Russia, while weakening Western unity at a time when consistent support is vital for Kyiv.
Tensions Across the Atlantic
The sharp rebuke highlights growing unease in European capitals over the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House after the 2024 U.S. election. Many EU leaders fear that a Trump presidency could see reduced military and financial support for Ukraine, threatening the broader Western coalition against Russian aggression.
Ukraine Responds
While Zelenskyy has not directly responded to Trump’s latest attack, senior officials in Kyiv thanked France for its public show of support, calling it a reminder that Ukraine is not alone.
Global Diplomacy in Flux
As the war in Ukraine drags on into its third year, such exchanges underscore the fragile state of global diplomacy, where domestic politics, alliances, and rivalries intertwine with geopolitical crises.
