Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism as to the repair of links with the United States following a stormy exchange with former American president Donald Trump in the White House. The confrontation, which was focused on Ukraine’s during Russia, led to a premature end at their meeting.
In an interview with Fox News, Zelensky said that American-Ukrainian relations extend beyond individual leaders and have stressed the need for continuous support from the United States against Russian aggression. “It will be difficult without your support,” he said.
The diplomatic rift appeared after a tense oval office meeting where Trump, alongside Vice-President JD Vance, would have criticized Zelensky for not having shown enough “gratitude” and for having rejected a proposed peace agreement with Russia. Trump would have warned the Ukrainian chief, saying, “You are going to conclude an agreement, or we got out, and if we got out, you are fighting and I don’t think it will be pretty.”
Following the exchange, Zelensky was invited to leave, Trump then published on social networks that the Ukrainian chief could return “when he is ready for peace”. The reports suggest that Trump’s senior officials have facilitated his early departure.
Trump later said that Zelensky “survived his hand” and had to accept an immediate ceasefire. In response, Zelensky argued that Ukraine had done nothing wrong, but recognized that the discussion should not have taken place in front of the media.
Global reaction
The incident sparked international reactions, European leaders quickly reaffirming their support for Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured Zelensky, “you are not alone”, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised “unwavering support” in kyiv. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for an urgent summit to discuss the future of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Russia praised developments. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev called Zelensky as “insolent pig” and described the dispute of the White House as an “appropriate slap”.
In the United States, opinions have been divided. The head of the majority of the Senate, Chuck Schumer, criticized Trump’s position, while the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that Zelensky should apologize for “wasting our time”.
Ukraine remains provocative
Despite the diplomatic benefits, Ukrainian officials stood near Zelensky. The country’s military management expressed his solidarity with the president, while the Minister of Foreign Affairs praised his resilience.
The dispute arises while Trump continues to position himself as a neutral mediator between Russia and Ukraine, declaring that compromises are necessary to end the conflict. However, Zelensky remained firm, rejecting the conditions of peace which involve territorial concessions.
Meanwhile, the Russian forces would have intensified their military activities, launching new offensives along the Ukrainian border.
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