Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meeting with United States President Donald Trump in Washington, DC, ended abruptly after the 2 leaders clashed in a heated alternate over Russia’s warfare in opposition to Kyiv.
On the Oval Workplace on Friday, Trump and his vice chairman, JD Vance, berated Zelenskyy for being “disrespectful” and never thanking the US sufficient for its help.
“You’re playing with the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals,” Trump shouted. “You’re playing with World Struggle III, and what you’re doing may be very disrespectful to the nation – this nation.”
Zelenskyy, who was assembly with Trump to persuade him to not aspect with Russian President Vladimir Putin and focus on doable US safety ensures for Ukraine within the occasion of a ceasefire, instructed Trump that there could be “no compromises with a killer on our territory”.
Because the Ukrainian chief left the White Home shortly after the verbal match, Trump took to the Reality Social social media app, which he owns, to jot down that Zelenskyy was not “prepared for peace if America is concerned”.
“He disrespected the USA of America in its cherished Oval Workplace. He can come again when he’s prepared for peace,” he added.
Zelenskyy posted on X after the assembly to thank the US for its help.
“Thanks POTUS, Congress, and the American individuals. Ukraine wants simply and lasting peace, and we’re working precisely for that,” he wrote.
Right here is how some world leaders reacted to the heated dispute:
United States
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham urged Zelenskyy to prioritise a uncommon earth minerals deal over safety ensures or a ceasefire with Russia.
“I talked to Zelenskyy this morning – don’t take the bait. President Trump was in an excellent temper final evening,” Graham mentioned outdoors the White Home.
A vocal Ukraine supporter and Trump ally, Graham known as the assembly an “utter catastrophe” and questioned future US dealings with Zelenskyy. “I don’t know if we will ever do enterprise with Zelenskyy once more,” he mentioned, including that the Ukrainian president ought to apologise to Trump or for Ukraine to “get somebody new” to guide the nation.
High Democratic leaders condemned Trump’s dealing with of the talks. Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer accused him of doing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “soiled work”, whereas Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries known as the alternate “appalling”.
“The USA should not reward Russian aggression,” Jeffries mentioned. “We should always stand with Ukraine till victory is received.”
Russia
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of the Russian Safety Council, wrote on Telegram that Trump had given Ukraine a “robust slap on the wrist”.
“For the primary time, Trump instructed the cocaine clown the reality to his face: The Kyiv regime is taking part in with the Third World Struggle. And the ungrateful pig acquired a powerful slap on the wrist from the house owners of the pigsty. That is helpful. Nevertheless it’s not sufficient – we should cease army assist to the Nazi machine,” mentioned Medvedev, who can also be a former Russian president.
Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for Russia’s Ministry of Overseas Affairs, additionally praised Trump for exhibiting “restraint” with the Ukrainian chief, whom she known as a “scumbag”.
“I believe Zelenskyy’s greatest lie of all his lies was his assertion within the White Home that the Kyiv regime in 2022 was alone, with out help,” she wrote on Telegram. “How Trump and Vance held again from hitting that scumbag is a miracle of restraint.”
European Union
European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola all instructed Zelenskyy in a joint publish: “Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian individuals. Be robust, be courageous, be fearless.
“We are going to proceed working with you for a simply and lasting peace.”
The bloc’s overseas coverage chief Kaja Kallas, in the meantime, mentioned it was clear that “the free world wants a brand new chief.”
“Ukraine is Europe! We stand by Ukraine,” she mentioned in a social media publish.
“We are going to step up our help to Ukraine in order that they’ll proceed to battle again [against] the aggressor,” she added. “In the present day, it grew to become clear that the free world wants a brand new chief. It’s as much as us, Europeans, to take this problem.”
France
French President Emmanuel Macron instructed reporters in Portugal that Russia is the “aggressor” within the Ukraine warfare and Ukrainians are the “aggressed individuals”.
“I believe we had been all proper to assist Ukraine and sanction Russia three years in the past, and to proceed to take action. We, that’s the USA of America, the Europeans, the Canadians, the Japanese and lots of others,” Macron mentioned.
“And we should thank all those that have helped and respect those that have been combating because the starting. As a result of they’re combating for his or her dignity, their independence, their kids and the safety of Europe. These are easy issues, however they’re good to recollect at occasions like these, that’s all,” he added.
Germany
Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz mentioned, “Ukraine can depend on Germany and on Europe.”
“Nobody needs peace greater than the residents of Ukraine! That’s the reason we’re collectively looking for the trail to an enduring and simply peace,” he mentioned.
Friedrich Merz, anticipated to be Germany’s subsequent chancellor, addressed Zelenskyy on X, stating: “We stand with Ukraine in good and in testing occasions. We must not ever confuse aggressor and sufferer on this horrible warfare.”
Johann Wadephul, a high legislator from Merz’s social gathering, additionally backed Ukraine.
“The scenes from the White Home are surprising,” he wrote on X. “How will you stab the president of an invaded nation within the again like this? Free Europe is not going to betray Ukraine!”
United Kingdom
Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with each Trump and Zelenskyy following their public fallout.
Based on a Downing Avenue assertion, Starmer mentioned he’s wanting ahead to “internet hosting worldwide leaders on Sunday, together with President Zelenskyy”.
“He retains his unwavering help for Ukraine and is taking part in his half to discover a path ahead to an enduring peace, primarily based on sovereignty and safety for Ukraine,” the assertion mentioned.
Eire
Prime Minister Micheal Martin mentioned Eire stands with Ukraine, recalling his visits to the nation: “After I met with President Zelenskyy yesterday, I reiterated our full help for a simply, sturdy and sustained peace.”
Overseas Minister Simon Harris careworn that Ukraine will not be accountable for the warfare, stating: “Ukraine is to not blame for this warfare led to by Russia’s unlawful invasion. We stand with Ukraine.”
NATO
NATO chief Mark Rutte instructed the BBC that the Ukrainian president should “discover a means” to revive his relationship with Trump.
Rutte mentioned he talked to Zelenskyy and instructed him: “It’s a must to discover a means, expensive Volodymyr, to revive your relationship with Donald Trump and the American administration.”
Canada
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mentioned Canada will proceed to face with Ukrainians in reaching a simply and lasting peace.
“Russia illegally and unjustifiably invaded Ukraine. For 3 years now, Ukrainians have fought with braveness and resilience. Their battle for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a battle that issues to us all,” he wrote on X.
Overseas Minister Melanie Joly inspired NATO allies to band collectively “amidst all this unpredictability and generally even chaos”.
“We imagine in supporting Ukraine. Our place has not modified. We expect Ukrainians are combating for their very own freedoms, however they’re additionally combating for ours,” she mentioned.
Norway
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere condemned the occasions within the White Home as “critical and disheartening”.
“Ukraine nonetheless wants the US’s help, and Ukraine’s safety and future are additionally necessary to the US and to Europe.
“President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has robust help in Ukraine, broad help in Europe, and he has led his individuals via a really demanding and brutal time, underneath assault from Russia. That Trump accuses Zelenskyy of playing with World Struggle III is deeply unreasonable and an announcement I distance myself from,” he mentioned in an announcement to Norwegian TV2.
Denmark
Overseas Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen described latest occasions as a setback for Kyiv. Writing on Fb, he mentioned, “It’s a punch within the intestine for Ukraine. … There should be room for sturdy conversations – even between mates. However when it occurs in entrance of rolling cameras like that, there is just one winner. And he sits within the Kremlin.”
Sweden
“Sweden stands with Ukraine. You aren’t solely combating to your freedom but in addition for all of Europe’s. Slava Ukraini!”
Finland
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo reaffirmed Finland’s dedication to Ukraine, pledging “our unwavering help and work in direction of a simply and lasting peace”.
Netherlands
Dutch Overseas Minister Caspar Veldkamp reiterated his backing for Ukraine, saying he had spoken along with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha. “I reiterated my full help for Ukraine: no matter it takes, for so long as it takes,” he mentioned.
Poland
Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X: “Pricey Ukrainian mates, you aren’t alone.”
Spain
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez additionally expressed solidarity with Ukraine.
“Ukraine, Spain stands with you,” he wrote on X.
Portugal
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro assured: “Ukraine can all the time depend on Portugal.”
Italy
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed a gathering between the US and European leaders to reaffirm their bonds.
“A summit at once is required between the USA, European states and their allies to speak frankly about how we intend to sort out immediately’s main challenges, beginning with Ukraine, which collectively we’ve got defended in recent times,” Meloni, a right-wing chief, mentioned in an announcement.
Her deputy in the meantime expressed help for Trump. “Purpose for PEACE, cease this warfare! Come on @realDonaldTrump”, Matteo Salvini wrote on X.
Hungary
Prime Minister Viktor Orban was among the many few voices in Europe that backed Trump.
“Sturdy males make peace, weak males make warfare. In the present day President @realDonaldTrump stood bravely for peace,” he wrote on X. “Even when it was tough for a lot of to digest. Thanks, Mr. President!”
He later known as on the EU to open direct talks with Moscow to finish the Ukraine warfare and signalled it might oppose a bloc-wide settlement on the battle at an upcoming summit, in accordance with a letter obtained by AFP.
“I’m satisfied that the European Union – following the instance of the USA – ought to enter into direct discussions with Russia on a ceasefire and a sustainable peace in Ukraine,” Orban wrote to Antonio Costa, who heads the Council of the EU’s 27 member states.
Estonia
Overseas Minister Margus Tsahkna wrote on X that the one impediment to peace was President Putin’s “choice to proceed his warfare of aggression”.
“If Russia stops combating, there will probably be no warfare. If Ukraine stops combating, there will probably be no Ukraine. Estonia’s help to Ukraine stays unwavering. Time for Europe to step up,” Tsahkna wrote.
Lithuania
President Gitanas Nauseda expressed solidarity, writing: “Ukraine, you’ll by no means stroll alone.”
Latvia
Prime Minister Evika Silina reaffirmed her nation’s help, saying Latvia stands with Ukraine.
Czech Republic
President Petr Pavel wrote on X: “We stand with Ukraine greater than ever. Time for Europe to step up its efforts.”
Prime Minister Petr Fiala declared: “We stand with Ukraine and on the aspect of the free world.”
Slovenia
President Natasa Pirc Musar condemned the occasions within the Oval Workplace, warning they undermined worldwide legislation and diplomacy. “We stand firmly in help of Ukraine’s sovereignty. We repeat, Russia is the aggressor. It’s time for Europe to take the lead on the trail to peace in Ukraine,” wrote Musar on X.
Moldova
President Maia Sandu wrote on X: “The reality is easy. Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine defends its freedom – and ours. We stand with Ukraine.”
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Luxembourg
Prime Minister Luc Frieden assured Ukraine of his nation’s help, saying: “You might be combating to your freedom and a rules-based worldwide order.”
Croatia
Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic mentioned Croatia understands Ukraine’s battle, noting: “Croatia is aware of from its personal expertise that solely a simply peace can final.” He added that Ukraine wants a peace that ensures “sovereignty, territorial integrity and a safe Europe”.
Romania
Romania’s interim President Ilie Bolojan careworn Ukraine’s significance to European safety, stating: “The safety of Ukraine is essential for the safety of Europe. All of us want to face collectively to battle for our values, freedom, and peace.”
Austria
Austria’s caretaker Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg reaffirmed his help for Ukraine, whereas the nation’s overseas ministry declared: “Russia is the aggressor and we share Ukraine’s dedication to a complete, simply and lasting peace!”
Belgium
Prime Minister Bart De Wever pledged solidarity with Ukraine, stating: “We stand behind Ukraine and the Ukrainian individuals of their historic battle to defend themselves in opposition to an unprovoked Russian aggression. Their battle is our battle. United we’re robust.”
Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned in an announcement: “We are going to proceed to face with Ukraine for so long as it takes, as a result of that is the battle of a democratic nation versus an authoritarian regime led by Vladimir Putin, who clearly has imperialistic designs, not simply on Ukraine, however all through that area.”
New Zealand
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon mentioned his nation stays “steadfast in its help for Ukraine because it defends itself in a warfare that Russia began”, including that Ukraine will not be solely defending its sovereignty but in addition upholding worldwide legislation.
Amnesty Worldwide
Amnesty Worldwide careworn that peace in Ukraine should be constructed on justice for these accountable for warfare crimes.
“Nothing that was mentioned immediately within the Oval Workplace modifications the information: Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine was an act of aggression and a manifest violation of the UN Constitution,” the rights group mentioned in a social media publish.
It added that “sustainable peace in Ukraine is just doable via justice and accountability for all crimes underneath worldwide legislation dedicated since 2014.”
