The public dressing down given to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky by president Donald Trump and vice president JD Vance in the White House on Friday is a wake-up call to Europe, Dutch politicians and MPs said on Saturday, as the full impact of the angry encounter sank in.

According to the BBC, there are suspicions now that the public row was  “a planned political mugging: either to force Zelensky to do America’s bidding, or to precipitate a crisis that would allow them to blame him for whatever happens next”.

European leaders will gather in London tomorrow to see what can be done to move forward in the wake of spat, which has again highlighted divisions between the US and Europe.

Prime minister Dick Schoof did not comment on Trump, Vance, and Zelensky directly but issued a short social media statement saying the Netherlands supports Ukraine as firmly as ever.

“Now more than ever,” he said. “We want a lasting peace and an end to the war of aggression started by Russia. For Ukraine and its people, and for Europe.”

Defence minister Ruben Brekelmans took a similar approach, not mentioning the White House meeting itself while declaring, “The support of the Netherlands for Ukraine is unwavering.”

Foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp said he had spoken to his “dear friend,” Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha. “I reiterated my full support, whatever it takes, for as long as it takes,” he said on social media.

While ministers did not comment on events in the White House themselves, MPs were more outspoken.

Frans Timmermans, leader of the biggest opposition party GroenLinks-PvdA, said the encounter was a disgrace. “The lack of respect towards the lives of Ukrainians displayed today in the Oval Office by president Trump and vice president Vance is disgraceful,” he said. “Shame on you!”

Dilan Yesilgöz, leader of the right-wing liberal party VVD, which is part of the current coalition government, told a television talk show, “It is staggering that one of the most powerful people in the world treats the leader of a country at war with such fury.”

“This once again confirms that the Netherlands and Europe must take responsibility for their own defence and security,” she told the audience. The VVD was the only one of the four coalition parties to sign a statement in support of Ukraine, drawn up by GroenLinks-PvdA earlier this week to mark the anniversary of the invasion by Russia.

Kremlin

NSC leader Pieter Omtzigt, who did not sign the statement, said it was extremely concerning how well the event had gone down in the Kremlin and was being celebrated by Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right PVV, who opposes sending weapons to Ukraine, first described the meeting as “fascinating TV” in English. He said later, however, that he “of course” supports Ukraine, adding that no one benefits from a “hysterical anti-Trump” mood.

Dutch defence specialist Peter Wijninga from The Hague think tank HCSS told broadcaster NOS that the ball is now in Europe’s court. The row between Zelensky and the US is extremely damaging and could lead to the US stopping all help.

Air defences

“The Americans provide a mix of weapon systems and air defences,” he said. “If they are halted, Ukraine will not be able to defend itself against a massive air attack, and that is a major problem.”

The NRC said in a hard-hitting editorial that Trump’s actions require a Europe that is stronger than ever. “The current Dutch government may fantasise about an EU where it enjoys the benefits but not the (financial) burdens – but the new geopolitical reality demands much more ambition and commitment to the EU than The Hague has shown in recent times,” the paper said.

“Thinking that the Netherlands can weather this storm alone would be very naïve and irresponsible. Unless, of course, you’re fine with being blackmailed.”

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