Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism that relations with the U.S. can be salvaged despite an explosive confrontation with President Trump, who accused him of refusing peace with Russia. Zelensky emphasized the importance of U.S. support against Russia’s military. This fallout occurred during a White House meeting marked by shouting, with Trump and Vice President Vance pressing Zelensky on peace talks. European leaders swiftly backed Zelensky, alarmed by the deterioration in U.S.-Ukrainian ties. Trump’s recent stance has drawn criticism, with U.S. politicians accusing him of siding with Russia. Meanwhile, Russia intensified its offensive in Ukraine.
Washington:
Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Friday that his relationship with the United States can still be mended, despite President Donald Trump’s explosive outburst accusing the Ukrainian leader of refusing to pursue peace with Russia. “Of course,” Zelensky replied in a Fox News interview when asked if he believed the relationship with Trump could be restored.
He emphasized that US-Ukrainian relations involve “more than two presidents,” highlighting Ukraine’s urgent need for American assistance in its struggle against Russia’s significantly larger and better-equipped military.
“It will be difficult without your support,” Zelensky noted during his appearance on Fox — Trump’s preferred news outlet.
Zelensky’s conciliatory comments came just hours after an extraordinary scene in the Oval Office, where what had been a long-standing US policy of robust support for Ukraine’s defense against the Russian invasion fell apart in a heated confrontation.
The confrontation prompted European leaders to swiftly express support for Ukraine after Zelensky left the White House prematurely, without finalizing a minerals-sharing agreement deemed crucial for a potential US-mediated peace.
During the tense exchange, broadcast to US and international media, Trump and Vice President JD Vance reprimanded Zelensky, accusing him of failing to show “gratitude” and of rejecting their proposed terms for a truce.
“You don’t have the cards right now,” Trump stated. “You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out, and if we’re out, you’ll have to fight it out, and I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.”
Zelensky departed shortly thereafter, with Trump remarking on social media that “he can come back when he is ready for peace.”
US media reported that high-ranking Trump officials instructed Zelensky to leave.
Later on Friday, the president told reporters that Zelensky was “overplaying his hand” and should promptly agree to end the conflict.
Nonetheless, Zelensky refused to apologize, telling Fox News, “I’m not sure that we did something bad.” He did express a wish that the exchange had not occurred in front of journalists.
– ‘Not alone’ –
US allies in Europe, already concerned that Trump may pressure Ukraine into effectively granting victory to Russian President Vladimir Putin, quickly rallied in support of Zelensky.
“You are not alone,” declared Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, following his own visit to the White House, stated he had communicated with both Trump and Zelensky by phone after the altercation and reaffirmed “unwavering support” for Kyiv.
Far-right Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for an “immediate” summit involving the United States, Europe, and their allies concerning Ukraine.
Top US Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer remarked that Trump and Vance are “doing Putin’s dirty work.”
Conversely, Russia expressed satisfaction over the deterioration in relations between Kyiv and Washington.
Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev labeled Zelensky an “insolent pig” who received “a proper slap down in the Oval Office.”
Trump’s Republican Party paralleled Russian sentiments in blaming Zelensky.
Ukraine appeared united behind Zelensky, with its army chief vowing loyalty while the foreign minister commended his “bravery.”
– Compromise with ‘killer’? –
The eruption followed Trump suggesting that Ukraine would need to make “compromises” in negotiations with Russia, which has occupied considerable portions of the country.
Zelensky insisted there should be “no compromises with a killer on our territory.”
After he noted that previous Western-backed peace initiatives had failed to deter Russian aggression, Vance interrupted him, calling him “disrespectful.”
The situation escalated, leading to Trump and Vance loudly scolding the Ukrainian president while he appeared visibly uncomfortable as they spoke over him.
– Trump’s ‘numerous’ Putin calls –
Trump has unsettled Kyiv and European allies with his sudden pivot in US policy, presenting himself as a mediator between Putin and Zelensky while refraining from condemning the Russian invasion.
He asserted in the Oval Office that he had “spoken on numerous occasions” to Putin — more than what has been publicly reported.
Last week, Trump referred to Zelensky as a “dictator” and stated he trusts Putin to “keep his word” regarding a ceasefire.
Trump conveyed to Zelensky that as a mediator, he could not criticize one of the principal parties involved.
However, in his Fox News interview, Zelensky remarked that he wished Trump was “really more on our side.”
Meanwhile, Russia’s assault on Ukraine persisted.
Ukrainian officials reported on Friday that Russian infantry were storming the Ukrainian border from the Russian region of Kursk, near areas seized last summer by Ukrainian forces.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)