Trump-Zelenskyy spat: Is EU still backing Kyiv and what happens next?

Leaders across Europe have come out in support of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following the heated exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump.

What was meant to be a meeting to confirm a deal involving U.S. financing for Ukraine in exchange for a stake in the country's mineral reserves descended into a shouting match in the Oval Office with President Trump accusing Zelenskyy of "gambling with World War III."

In the wake of the meeting, Ukraine's president said that it's important for Kyiv to be heard and not forgotten.

A number of European leaders, in response to the extraordinary scenes at the White House, have come out in support for Ukraine's leaders and have issued assurances that support for the country will continue.

Mixed Kyiv support

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Ukraine is "not alone," while Germany's likely next Chancellor, Friedrich Merz added: "In good and in testing times. We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war."

French President Emmanuel Macron, in Washington just days ago for a meeting with Trump said: "We were right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago - and to keep doing so. By 'we' I mean the Americans, the Europeans, the Canadians, the Japanese, and many others."

Support for Ukraine's President hasn't been universal among European leaders. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been a longstanding critic of EU policy on Ukraine.

"Strong men make peace, weak men make war," Orban said, adding that Trump stood "bravely for peace."

In response to the meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, the EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas said: "It became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It's up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge."

EU emergency meeting

The comments come as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to host a number of European leaders in London on Sunday to discuss support for Ukraine and how to navigate the transatlantic relationship going forward.

On March 6 leaders from the EU's member states are gathering in Brussels for an emergency summit. Top of the agenda will be what more Europe can do to assist Ukraine on the ground and how to boost its own defense capabilities.

Huge questions remain over whether Ukraine's European allies would be able to provide Kyiv with the support it needs, should support from Washington waiver.

Zelenskyy said after the meeting with Trump that, "Despite the tough dialogue, we remain strategic partners. But we need to be honest and direct with each other to truly understand our shared goals. I want the U.S. to stand more firmly on our side."