Zelensky hits back after White House showdown with Donald Trump
Volodymyr Zelensky has said it is “very important” that Ukraine is “heard and not forgotten” after yesterday’s dramatic meeting with Donald Trump.
The Ukrainian president wrote on Telegram today: “People in Ukraine need to know that they are not alone, that their interests are represented in every country, in every corner of the world.” On Friday, Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Zelensky over the war in Ukraine, accusing him of not showing gratitude after he challenged Vance on the question of diplomacy with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
The argument in the Oval Office was broadcast to millions around the world, and led to the rest of Zelensky’s White House visit being cancelled just moments later. The fallout has also cast new doubts over how much the US will continue to support Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s invasion. Donald Trump has further criticised Zelensky in the hours since the meeting, mocking him as a “big shot” and claiming he did not “want peace”.
Trump erupted during the meeting after Zelensky suggested the US might feel the effects of Russian aggression in the future if Putin is allowed to strengthen his forces. Zelensky said: “First of all, during the war, everybody has problems, even you. But you have [a] nice ocean and don’t feel [it] now. But you will feel it in the future. God bless. ” But an angry Trump replied: “You don’t know that. You don’t know that. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. We’re trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. We’re going to feel very good.”
He then accused the Ukrainian president of “gambling with World War III”, before JD Vance asked “have you said thank you once?”, referring to military aid supplied by the US to Ukraine. Zelensky stood his ground and said his country had shown its gratitude “a lot of times, even today”, saying later: “Of course we want to stop the war. But I said to you, with guarantees.”
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The failed meeting has sparked a new outpouring of support for Ukraine and its president from world leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Last night, a spokesperson for Number 10 said he had spoken to both Mr Zelensky and Trump, adding that his support for Ukraine is “unwavering”. “The prime minister has tonight spoken to both President Trump and President Zelensky. He retains unwavering support for Ukraine, and is doing all he can to find a path forward to a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine”, the statement read.
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