Zelensky lauds Trump amid uncertainty on Ukraine support
· RTE.ieUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has heaped praise on Donald Trump, as his election win plunged the future of Ukraine's war against Russia into uncertainty.
Territorial losses for Ukraine have accelerated in recent months as larger and better equipped Russian forces advance in key sectors of the frontline in the east, scene of some of the fiercest battles since Moscow invaded in February 2022.
Mr Trump has criticised the level of US support for Ukraine's war effort and promised to end the conflict before he takes office in January, without explaining how.
Mr Zelensky, in a message shortly after Mr Trump claimed victory, said he looked forward to an "era of a strong United States of America under President Trump's decisive leadership."
The speed of the message appeared to be aimed at quickly building ties with the next administration in Washington, amid persistent uncertainty over what a Trump presidency would mean for the war.
NATO chief Mark Rutte congratulated Mr Trump and said his return to power will help keep the alliance "strong".
"His leadership will again be key to keeping our Alliance strong. I look forward to working with him again to advance peace through strength through NATO," Mr Rutte said in a statement.
Read More:
US Election 2024: Live updates
Economy proved costly for Harris as Trump claims win
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union and the United States are "more than just allies".
"I warmly congratulate Donald J Trump. The EU and the US are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens. So let's work together on a strong transatlantic agenda that keeps delivering for them", she said in a post on X.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Mr Trump's projected win as "history's greatest comeback" and a new beginning in the US-Israel alliance.
"Congratulations on history's greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory!" said Mr Netanyahu in a statement issued by his office.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke by phone about the US election, where it was "agreed to coordinate closely with each other on this issue," Mr Scholz's spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said.
Earlier, in a post on X, Mr Macron said he was ready to work with "respect and ambition" with Mr Trump.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said he was looking forward to working with Mr Trump.
"Heartiest congratulations my friend @realDonaldTrump on your historic election victory," Mr Modi wrote on X. "As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration."
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Mr Trump on his "historic election victory", adding that UK-US special relationship would "continue to prosper".
"As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise. From growth and security to innovation and tech, I know that the UK-US special relationship will continue to prosper on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come," he said.
Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban was among the first to congratulate Mr Trump, posting enthusiastic messages on X early this morning.
"The biggest comeback in US political history! Congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump on his enormous win. A much needed victory for the World!" he wrote.
Mr Orban said earlier this week that Europe would need to rethink its support of Ukraine if Mr Trump was re-elected president.