Trump-Zelensky Showdown Sparks Global Reactions as US Pressures Ukraine to Accept Peace Deal with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains hopeful about restoring ties with the United States despite a dramatic fallout with President Donald Trump, who accused him of stalling peace talks with Russia.
In a tense White House meeting, Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Zelensky, pressing him to accept a ceasefire with Russia. The confrontation ended with Trump declaring that Zelensky
“can come back when he is ready for peace.”
Trump’s White House Showdown with Zelensky
The heated exchange unfolded in front of reporters, marking a stark departure from the longstanding US policy of unwavering support for Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression.
“You don’t have the cards right now,” Trump told Zelensky. “You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out.”
Following the clash, Zelensky was seen leaving the White House abruptly, reportedly at the instruction of senior Trump officials. Trump later criticized him on social media, accusing him of “overplaying his hand.”
Zelensky: No Apologies, But Regrets Public Fallout
Speaking to Fox News after the confrontation, Zelensky refused to apologize for his stance.
“I’m not sure that we did something bad,”
he said, though he admitted he wished the confrontation had not played out in public. He emphasized the critical role of US support in Ukraine’s ongoing defense against Russian forces.
European Leaders Rally Behind Ukraine
The dramatic turn of events sent shockwaves through Europe, where leaders quickly reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine.
“You are not alone,”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged “unwavering support” for Kyiv, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for an urgent international summit to address the crisis.
Meanwhile, top US Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer accused Trump and Vance of “doing Putin’s dirty work,” as Moscow celebrated the rift. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked Zelensky, calling him an “insolent pig” who received a
“proper slap down in the Oval Office.”
Ukraine Defiant Amid Trump’s ‘Compromise’ Call
Trump insisted that Ukraine must make “compromises” with Russia, but Zelensky dismissed the notion, saying there can be
“no compromises with a killer on our territory.”
During the meeting, Vance interrupted Zelensky and labeled him “disrespectful,” escalating tensions further.
Trump’s Putin Calls Raise Eyebrows
Trump has repeatedly signaled a shift in US policy, portraying himself as a neutral mediator between Russia and Ukraine. He revealed in the Oval Office that he had spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin “on numerous occasions”—more than previously disclosed.
He also referred to Zelensky as a “dictator” last week and has stated he trusts Putin to “keep his word” on a ceasefire.
Zelensky, however, remains firm in his hope for US support, telling Fox News he wished Trump was “really more on our side.”
Russia Intensifies Attacks Amid Diplomatic Fallout
While diplomatic tensions escalate, Russian forces continue their offensive. On Friday, Ukrainian officials reported Russian infantry storming the border from the Kursk region, underscoring the ongoing urgency of Ukraine’s fight for survival.
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