Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains hopeful that relations with the United States can be repaired, despite a dramatic and heated confrontation with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
Speaking to Fox News, Zelensky responded with a firm “Of course” when asked if his relationship with Trump could be salvaged, emphasizing that U.S.-Ukrainian ties go beyond just two leaders. He reiterated Ukraine’s urgent need for continued U.S. support in its ongoing fight against Russia’s military aggression.
“It will be difficult without your support,” Zelensky said, making his case directly on Trump’s favored news network.
A Heated Showdown in the Oval Office
The diplomatic fallout comes after an extraordinary scene in the Oval Office, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance clashed with Zelensky, accusing him of being ungrateful and refusing to accept a proposed ceasefire deal.
According to reports, Trump bluntly told Zelensky:
“You don’t have the cards right now. You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out—and I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.”
Tensions escalated to the point where the Ukrainian delegation was asked to leave the White House prematurely, reportedly without signing a crucial minerals-sharing agreement. Trump later posted on social media that Zelensky “can come back when he is ready for peace.”
Global Reactions and Political Shockwaves
The diplomatic rift sent shockwaves across Europe, where leaders scrambled to reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine.
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reassured Zelensky: “You are not alone.”
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer personally reached out to both Trump and Zelensky, vowing “unwavering support” for Kyiv.
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for an urgent international summit on Ukraine’s future.
Meanwhile, in Washington, top Democrat Chuck Schumer accused Trump and Vance of “doing Putin’s dirty work,” while Republican voices aligned with Trump in blaming Zelensky for the breakdown.
Russia, on the other hand, welcomed the confrontation. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked Zelensky, calling him an “insolent pig” who had received “a proper slap down in the Oval Office.”
Zelensky Stands His Ground
Despite the mounting pressure, Zelensky remains defiant. Rejecting Trump’s push for a compromise with Russia, he stated:
“There should be no compromises with a killer on our territory.”
Tensions boiled over when Vance interrupted him mid-sentence, calling his remarks “disrespectful.” Zelensky, visibly uncomfortable, sat in silence as Trump and Vance berated him.
Speaking to Fox News afterward, he admitted he wished the exchange had not taken place in front of the press but stood by his stance.
“I’m not sure we did anything wrong,” he said. “I just wish Trump was really more on our side.”
Meanwhile, the war rages on. On Friday, Ukrainian officials reported fresh Russian assaults on the border near Kursk, underscoring the stakes of the ongoing conflict.
As the world watches, the question remains: Can Ukraine count on the U.S.—or is Zelensky now fighting on his own?
