President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s assembly with US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC ended abruptly after the 2 leaders clashed in a heated alternate over Russia’s conflict on Ukraine.
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 tens of millions of individuals,” Trump shouted. “You’re playing with World Battle 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 facet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and talk about potential 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 put in writing that Zelenskyy was not “prepared for peace if America is concerned”.
“He disrespected america 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:
Deputy head of Russian Safety Council Dmitry Medvedev
Medvedev, a former Russian president, wrote on Telegram that Trump had given Ukraine a “sturdy slap on the wrist”.
“For the primary time, Trump instructed the cocaine clown the reality to his face: the Kyiv regime is enjoying with the third world conflict. And the ungrateful pig acquired a robust slap on the wrist from the homeowners of the pigsty. That is helpful. Nevertheless it’s not sufficient – we should cease army support to the Nazi machine,” Medvedev stated.
European Union overseas coverage chief Kaja Kallas
Kallas stated it was clear that “the free world wants a brand new chief”.
“Ukraine is Europe! We stand by Ukraine,” Kallas stated in a social media publish.
“We are going to step up our help to Ukraine in order that they’ll proceed to struggle again [against] the aggressor,” she added. “Right now, 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.”
French President Emmanuel Macron
Macron instructed reporters in Portugal that Russia is the “aggressor” within the Ukraine conflict 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 america of America, the Europeans, the Canadians, the Japanese and lots of others,” Macron stated.
“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 instances like these, that’s all,” he added.
Norway Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere
Stoere condemned the occasions within the White Home as “severe and disheartening.”
“Ukraine nonetheless wants the US’s help, and Ukraine’s safety and future are additionally vital to the US and to Europe.
“President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sturdy help in Ukraine, broad help in Europe, and he has led his individuals by way of a really demanding and brutal time, beneath assault from Russia. That Trump accuses Zelenskyy of playing with World Battle III is deeply unreasonable and an announcement I distance myself from,” he stated in an announcement to Norwegian TV2.
Estonia
International Minister Margus Tsahkna wrote on X that the one impediment to peace was Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “choice to proceed his conflict of aggression”.
“If Russia stops combating, there can be no conflict. If Ukraine stops combating, there can be no Ukraine. Estonia’s help to Ukraine stays unwavering. Time for Europe to step up,” Tsahkna wrote.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk
“Pricey Ukrainian associates, you aren’t alone,” Tusk posted on X.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
“Ukraine, Spain stands with you,” Sanchez, wrote on X.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini
“Purpose for PEACE, cease this conflict! Come on @realDonaldTrump”, Salvini wrote on X.
“Sweden stands with Ukraine. You aren’t solely combating in your freedom but additionally for all of Europe’s. Slava Ukraini!” he wrote on X.
EU Fee President Ursula von der Leyen
Von der Leyen posted a message of solidarity with Zelenskyy, writing on X: “Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian individuals. Be sturdy, be courageous, be fearless.”
