PHOENIX (AP) — Recent tensions have escalated between President Trump’s administration and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy. As Zelenskyy was in London attending a European summit to gain support for Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion, Trump’s allies in Washington expressed strong criticism of him.
White House officials and some Republicans suggested Zelenskyy should show more appreciation for the U.S. support. They implied he might need to consider stepping down, even though many Ukrainians still support him. This led to confusion after a recent Oval Office meeting where Trump and Vice President JD Vance expressed their frustration with Zelenskyy and even canceled a crucial economic agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine. This raises questions about the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations at a critical time in the ongoing conflict that began in February 2022.
Mike Waltz, the White House national security adviser, criticized Zelenskyy’s behavior during the meeting, claiming it was “incredibly disrespectful.” In a past comment, Waltz had compared Zelenskyy to Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister during World War II. He noted that Churchill lost his position near the end of the war, suggesting a similar fate could await Zelenskyy unless he adapts to the need for negotiations to end the conflict.
Waltz indicated that negotiating peace would likely mean Ukraine having to make territorial concessions, though he didn’t clarify what concessions Russia would need to offer in return.
House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed this sentiment, suggesting that if Zelenskyy cannot appreciate U.S. support, then perhaps another leader should take charge. He emphasized the importance of peace through strength.
Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s former director of national intelligence, remarked on the meeting’s fallout, indicating it has caused a significant rift in the relationship. She questioned Zelenskyy’s assertion that he hadn’t made a mistake.
This coordinated pressure came as Zelenskyy met with European leaders. For instance, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a military aid package that includes financing for air defense missiles for Ukraine worth $2 billion.
Support for Zelenskyy among Republicans has dwindled after the recent Oval Office meeting. However, Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski publicly disagreed with Trump’s stance, expressing her concern for the administration’s relationship with allies and its approach toward Putin.
Senator James Lankford, also a Republican, warned against calls for Zelenskyy to resign, fearing that such an upheaval could lead to chaos in Ukraine.
Conversely, some lawmakers were more vocal in their support for Zelenskyy. Senator Bernie Sanders stated that many Americans feel embarrassed by the current administration’s attitude, highlighting the U.S. role as a democratic leader on the global stage. He stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine as it fights for its sovereignty.
This situation remains fluid, and the international community is watching closely as both sides navigate these turbulent waters.
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