Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the United States to “stand more firmly on our side” following what he described as a “tough dialogue” with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Zelensky stated that Ukraine is prepared to finalize the U.S.-proposed minerals deal but stressed that Kyiv requires concrete security guarantees from Washington.
His remarks follow a heated exchange at the White House on Friday, during which Trump accused him of “gambling with World War Three.”
Meanwhile, the British government has confirmed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host Zelensky at Downing Street today. This meeting comes ahead of an important summit with European leaders set for Sunday.
How U.S. Media Outlets Are Reacting
American media outlets are actively covering the fallout from last night’s public diplomatic standoff between Zelensky and Trump.
Fox News ran the headline “‘World War III’ fears,” previewing an interview with Zelensky conducted by host Bret Baier. In the interview, Baier questioned whether Zelensky believed the relationship with Trump could be salvaged after the confrontation.
Bloomberg’s front page carried the headline: “President Zelensky’s blow-up with Trump leaves allies facing disaster.”
The Washington Post reported that the “fiery meeting” in the Oval Office had “upended Trump’s Russia-Ukraine peace deal.” Meanwhile, CNN focused on the global implications, running the headline: “Western leaders scramble to back Ukraine.”
MSNBC’s Anthony L. Fisher characterized the encounter as a disgraceful moment for the United States, writing, “Trump’s Oval Office meeting with Zelensky was a shameful moment for America.”
The New York Times framed the incident as emblematic of a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy, stating that the meeting “points to Trump’s foreign policy revolution.”
Ukrainian Reactions: ‘Trump Looks Like a Partner for Russia’
The reaction in Ukraine has been swift, particularly from residents in Lviv, located in the western part of the country.
One local commented that Trump does not seem to be aligned with Ukraine’s interests, saying, “He looks like a partner for Russia.”
Another citizen expressed the need for greater European involvement, stating, “Europe should be much more active economically and in terms of military support.”
A third resident noted that he had low expectations ahead of Zelensky’s trip to Washington, suggesting that the recent developments have only reinforced doubts about U.S. commitment.
Observers have pointed out that the once-solid alliance between Ukraine and the U.S. appears to be fracturing, forcing European nations to step in and fill the gaps, particularly in terms of military aid.
The White House meeting itself has drawn mixed interpretations—some viewing it as a moment of necessary bluntness, while others see it as a display of arrogance.
Senator JD Vance’s involvement in the confrontation also stood out. Typically, vice presidents play a more restrained role in high-level diplomatic meetings, but Vance’s aggressive approach surprised many.
Zelensky, appearing visibly frustrated, engaged in the verbal sparring, escalating tensions further. “I’ve never seen anything like last night’s argument in the White House before,” an observer remarked. Some speculate that the confrontation was orchestrated to provoke the Ukrainian leader.
Moscow Watches as U.S.-Ukraine Tensions Rise
The Kremlin has taken a cautious approach in responding to the fallout from the White House meeting. Russian President Vladimir Putin has not commented on the situation, though analysts believe the confrontation played into Moscow’s hands.
During a meeting with Russian security officials, Putin acknowledged that Trump’s stance on Russia offers some “hope” but refrained from making any predictions about whether improved relations with Washington could influence the war in Ukraine.
Despite increased diplomatic engagement between Moscow and the White House, no concrete agreements have emerged, and there is no scheduled meeting between Trump and Putin.
For Russia, the optics of Trump and Vance confronting Zelensky serve as an unexpected strategic advantage. Nevertheless, while rhetoric may be shifting, the war in Ukraine persists, and fears over U.S. aid reductions have yet to materialize.
Putin appears to be treading carefully, ensuring that his comments do not alienate the Trump administration while also maintaining Russia’s longstanding adversarial stance toward the U.S.
A Devastating Visit for Ukraine
Regardless of whether Zelensky was intentionally provoked or should have handled the situation with greater diplomacy, the visit to Washington proved to be disastrous for Ukraine.
Many Ukrainians watching from Kyiv perceived the encounter as a moment of existential importance for their nation.
Yulia, a Kyiv resident, defended Zelensky’s approach, saying, “It was an emotional conversation, but I understand our president. Maybe it wasn’t diplomatic, but it was sincere. It’s about life, we want to live.”
Andriy, a 30-year-old local, criticized Trump and Vance’s conduct. “They were so rude,” he said. “They don’t respect the people of Ukraine.”
Dmytro, 26, voiced concerns that U.S. policy might be shifting in Russia’s favor. “It looks like Washington supports Russia,” he observed.
Inna Sovsun, a Ukrainian member of parliament, described the reaction in Kyiv as one of “shock.”
“It was difficult to watch a president who’s been a victim of Russian aggression being attacked by the leader of the free world,” she said. “It’s painful.”
Moscow Declares Zelensky’s Trip a Failure
Russia has wasted no time in labeling Zelensky’s visit to Washington as a diplomatic disaster.
Maria Zakharova, the Kremlin’s foreign ministry spokeswoman, claimed the Ukrainian leader was “obsessed” with prolonging the war. She reiterated Moscow’s goals of “demilitarizing” Ukraine and permanently annexing occupied territories.
Zakharova also accused Zelensky of being a reckless instigator of global conflict. “With his outrageously rude behavior during his stay in Washington, Zelensky confirmed that he is the most dangerous threat to the world community as an irresponsible instigator of a major war,” she said.
She added that Kyiv and certain European capitals must recognize this reality if there is to be any hope for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Meanwhile, Putin remains silent on the Oval Office incident. While world leaders have weighed in, the Russian president has opted to observe developments from the sidelines.
However, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev did not hold back. Writing on social media, Medvedev said Zelensky had been “slapped down in the Oval Office” and urged Washington to halt military assistance to Ukraine.
Zelensky Calls for U.S. Support as the War Continues
Zelensky has reiterated his plea for stronger U.S. backing, emphasizing that Ukraine needs more than just diplomatic assurances.
Posting on X, he reaffirmed his willingness to sign a minerals deal with Trump but underscored the necessity of clear security commitments from Washington.
His remarks come in the wake of the contentious Oval Office meeting, where he faced sharp criticism from Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Trump has since characterized the encounter as a misstep for Zelensky, asserting that the Ukrainian leader “overplayed his hand with a weak set of cards.”
Following his Washington visit, Zelensky has arrived in London, where he is set to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Later, he will attend a European summit where Ukraine’s security and military aid will be key discussion points.
Meanwhile, the war rages on in Ukraine. The city of Kharkiv has suffered further casualties following a Russian drone attack, highlighting the ongoing devastation despite the political drama unfolding on the world stage.