On Friday, a historic but heated exchange unfolded in the Oval Office, one that would quickly become a defining moment in international politics. US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sat down for what was expected to be a milestone meeting, designed to finalize a new agreement between Washington and Kyiv on American access to valuable mineral rights in Ukraine. But the conversation soon spiraled into a shouting match, exposing the stark differences in their approach to the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war and international diplomacy.
Trump, ever the provocateur, made it clear that he would not be pressured into giving Zelensky any advantage in his negotiations with Russia. “No deal,” Trump declared bluntly, later posting on social media that Zelensky wasn’t “ready for peace” and was simply looking to use US involvement to gain an upper hand. “He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office,” Trump continued. “He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
Zelensky, on the other hand, was visibly frustrated, his country in the midst of a bloody war for its very survival. He remained resolute in his plea for continued US support against Russian aggression, but Trump’s dismissiveness only deepened the rift between them. Journalists at Reuters reported that Zelensky, disheartened, left the White House early. The much-anticipated minerals agreement was not signed, and the diplomatic hope surrounding the meeting quickly evaporated.
International reactions to the meeting were swift. We share some of them below.
Salome Zurabishvili, the President of Georgia, weighed in on the exchange with a passionate defense of Zelensky. “Those who understand what it means to defend one’s territory, independence, and freedom—not once, but many times over the past two centuries—are on your side, Mr. President Zelensky,” she wrote, voicing solidarity with the Ukrainian leader and condemning Trump’s stance.
California Senator Adam Schiff took to social media to condemn the US president’s approach, calling it a tragedy. “Today, a hero and a coward met in the Oval Office, and when the meeting is over, the hero returns home to Ukraine,” Schiff remarked.
Former National Security Advisor John Bolton, who served under Trump, issued a scathing critique of the president’s position. “Trump and Vance have declared that they are on the side of Russia in the Russo-Ukrainian war. This is a catastrophic mistake for American national security,” Bolton wrote. “Trump and Vance now personally own this policy. This is not the opinion of the majority of Americans, regardless of any political party.”
In Sweden, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson made a strong statement of support for Ukraine. “Sweden stands with Ukraine. You are fighting not only for your freedom but for the freedom of all of Europe. Glory to Ukraine!” he wrote, highlighting Ukraine’s struggle as part of a broader European fight for democracy.
Back in the US, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized Trump’s actions, calling them an embarrassment to the country. “Donald Trump is embarrassing the United States on the world stage. We are a country that stands up to dictators and fights for democracy. Minnesota stands firmly with our allies in Ukraine,” Walz declared, echoing sentiments held by many in the US political establishment.
In Moldova, President Maia Sandu reaffirmed her country’s unwavering support for Ukraine. “The truth is simple. Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine is defending its freedom and ours. We stand with Ukraine,” she wrote, emphasizing the shared stakes in Ukraine’s fight.
Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont added to the chorus of criticism, taking aim at Trump’s position on Russia and Ukraine. “Trump criticizes Zelensky, the leader of a democratic country who is courageously fighting Russian imperialism, while he is an ally of Putin, the dictator who started the bloodiest European war in 80 years. Sorry, President Trump. We believe in democracy, not authoritarianism,” Sanders declared.
As the dust settled in Washington, the global community turns its gaze toward the future of US foreign policy, wondering whether Trump’s position will become a defining feature of American diplomacy or a passing moment in history. The message from Ukraine’s allies was clear: the fight for freedom is not just Ukraine’s fight—it is a fight for the values that define the West, values Trump’s actions were increasingly seen as undermining.
Source: Mtavari TV
