Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden condemned the heated White House clash between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, warning it risked shifting blame onto Ukraine and underscoring the need for European unity in the face of Russian aggression.
Prime Minister Luc Frieden on Saturday evening spoke to RTL about the fiery spat between US President Trump and Ukraine President Zelensky at the White House, saying that he had tears in his eyes when watching the exchange. "Ukraine was assaulted, but watching these images could give you the impression that Ukraine is at fault", Frieden warned, drawing a parallel between the Russian attack and the Nazi invasion of Luxembourg during World War II.
Frieden expressed shock over the incident and asserted that it was "proof that we are living through a very grave moment in the history of Europe and transatlantic relations". The PM conveyed that he immediately contacted Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel and several of his international counterparts after seeing the White House exchange, also sending a personal message of solidarity to Zelensky himself.
Frieden said that he found comfort in the quick and united response to the incident of European leaders, reiterating that the continent stands behind Ukraine and recognises them as victims – not instigators – of the war. As the PM believes that a united front and long-term strategy for the safety of Luxembourg and Europe are of upmost importance, he has invited all parties represented in the Chamber of Deputies for an exchange in the coming days.
"Now is the hour of Europe in which we have to show that we will fight in unison for our prosperity, our freedom, and our safety", Frieden warned.
When asked about the policy shift of the US administration, the PM repeatedly underlined that a break with our historic partners would have detrimental effects for the world and that siding with Russia would also be against the best interest of the US. Frieden thus reminded that Luxembourg was once liberated by its ally and that their joint World War II commemoration in Hamm happened only a mere months ago.
"This should never be forgotten", Frieden noted while outlining the shared values between Luxembourg and the US, ranging from trade to military alliances.
The politician argued that Europe now has to make quick and significant defence investments, not just to support Ukraine, but also to defend "the whole continent, Poland, and the Baltic states". The Russian invasion, according to Frieden, has shown that Europe must become more independent in terms of industry, economy, energy, and defence.
Frieden concluded by warning that if Russian President Putin is not stopped, then Russia will continue its advances and become a "veritable threat to Europe".
