New Delhi:
In a dramatic turn of events, a fiery confrontation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House ended abruptly, with Zelensky departing early. This tense exchange highlighted the growing rift between Washington and Kyiv, primarily over Trump’s efforts to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The clash also drew a positive reaction from Russian officials and media, who saw it as a strategic advantage in their favor.
The heated exchange between Trump and Zelensky was sparked by disagreements over the U.S. push for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump accused Zelensky of being “disrespectful” and warned him about the risks of escalating tensions into a global conflict. U.S. Vice President JD Vance also criticized Zelensky for not expressing sufficient gratitude for the extensive support provided by the U.S. to Ukraine.
Russian officials seized the opportunity to criticize Zelensky’s stance. Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, praised Trump’s restraint during the confrontation, while Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, labeled Zelensky as an “insolent pig” who received a “proper slap down” in the Oval Office. Medvedev further emphasized the need to halt military aid to Ukraine, which he referred to as a “Nazi machine.”
The incident has also drawn international reactions. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a long-time ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, sided with Trump, praising his approach to peace negotiations. Orban noted that “strong men make peace, weak men make war,” aligning himself with Trump’s stance.
The clash occurred against a backdrop of rising tensions between Washington and Kyiv. Russia has been keen to exploit these divisions, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasizing the importance of mutual respect in diplomatic engagements. However, the rift between the U.S. and Ukraine has provided Russia with an opportunity to gain leverage in the ongoing conflict.
