World leaders have rushed to congratulate Donald Trump on his victory in the United States presidential election, securing a second White House term which could have seismic implications across the globe.
Jubilation had been building through the night in the Republican former president’s camp, with key allies flying to his base in Florida as the first two swing states of Georgia and North Carolina were called for Mr Trump.
But it was the projection of a Trump victory in the crucial swing state of Pennsylvannia – worth a whopping 19 electoral college votes – which saw Democrat Kamala Harris’s route to the White House close, with Mr Trump delcared the ovaerall winner shortly after 5.00am in Washington, DC, on Wednesday.
As Mr Trump appeared on stage to triumphantly address his supporters in Florida, the more vocal of his backers worldwide began to offer their congratulations.
In one of the most widely anticipated reactions, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Mr Trump, describing the former president’s return to power as “impressive”.
He said: “ I recall our great meeting with President Trump back in September, when we discussed in detail the Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership, the Victory Plan, and ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine.”
Striking an optimistic tone, president Zelenskyy said he hoped Mr Trump’s “peace through strength” approach could bring peace in his country closer. “We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership. We rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States,” Mr Zelenskyy said.
In Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said: “Let’s not forget that we are talking about the unfriendly country that is both directly and indirectly involved in a war against our state.”
And no congratulations for Mr Trump were forthcoming from Moscow, where President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman declared that Russia-US relations were at the “lowest point in history.”
Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte said the world faces “a growing number of challenges globally, from a more aggressive Russia, to terrorism, to strategic competition with China”. And he warned of “the increasing alignment of China, Russia, North Korea and Iran”.
Mr Rutte added: “Working together through Nato helps to deter aggression, protect our collective security, and support our economies.”
Mr Trump was a strong critic of the Atlantic military alliance during his first term, accusing its other members of failing to pull their weight. Mr Rutte praised Mr Trump for his work persuading member states to ramp up defence spending, saying Nato was now “stronger, larger, and more united.”
And European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said: “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. Let us work together on a transatlantic partnership that continues to deliver for our citizens.”
Sir Keir Starmer said: “Congratulations President-elect Trump on your historic election victory. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead.”
