Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains optimistic about U.S.-Ukraine relations despite a fiery exchange with former U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. The intense confrontation, which shocked many observers, raised fresh concerns about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia.
On Saturday, Zelenskyy arrived in London for a high-level European summit hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The meeting, set for Sunday, will bring together leaders from major European nations, including France, Germany, Italy, and Poland, alongside NATO and European Commission officials. This gathering underscores Europe’s commitment to Ukraine at a time when American support appears uncertain.
Russia Seizes the Moment
Moscow was quick to react to the dramatic Oval Office clash. Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, labeled the incident a “complete political and diplomatic failure” for Kyiv. She further criticized European leaders for continuing to back Ukraine, claiming their support was driven by “political weakness” rather than strategic interests.
Zakharova reiterated Russia’s stance, asserting that its war objectives remain unchanged. Moscow, she suggested, will not back down from its demand for a demilitarized Ukraine outside NATO and intends to keep control over the territories it has occupied.
German President Condemns Trump’s Behavior
Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier did not hold back in his criticism of Trump’s handling of the meeting with Zelenskyy. Speaking to the German press during a flight to Uruguay, he expressed dismay over the public humiliation of Ukraine’s leader.
“Diplomacy fails when negotiating partners are degraded in front of the world,” Steinmeier said. “What happened in the White House took my breath away. I never imagined we would see a day when we had to protect Ukraine from the United States.”
Macron Fires Back at Trump’s ‘World War III’ Comment
French President Emmanuel Macron also responded to the Oval Office tensions, pushing back against Trump’s claim that Zelenskyy was “gambling with World War III.”
“If anyone is taking that gamble, it’s Vladimir Putin,” Macron stated in an interview with Portugal’s RTP news channel. He emphasized the importance of U.S. leadership in defending democracy and urged Washington to remain on the right side of history.
“My hope is that the United States will continue standing by its principles,” Macron said. “In every major conflict, America has been on the side of freedom.”
Turkey’s Diplomatic Moves
Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, ahead of the London summit. Turkey has long positioned itself as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia, having previously hosted unsuccessful peace talks in 2022.
Fidan’s discussions with Lavrov suggest that Ankara is still looking for a role in bringing an end to the war, even as European leaders rally around Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s Response: Hope and Gratitude
Despite the setbacks, Zelenskyy took to social media to express his gratitude to the American people and leadership. In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), he thanked the U.S. for its continued support and reiterated his desire for a strong partnership with Washington.
“Our relationship with the American President is more than just two leaders—it’s a historic and solid bond between our peoples,” he wrote. “The American people helped save our nation. We want only strong relations with America, and I truly hope we will have them.”
Ukraine had entered the Oval Office talks expecting to finalize a mineral deal with the U.S., a move seen as a step toward securing a fair ceasefire with Russia. However, the meeting ended in chaos, leaving Ukraine without the agreement it had hoped for.
Urgent Meeting with the UK Prime Minister
Following the turbulent Washington visit, Zelenskyy arrived in the UK earlier than planned. His plane, marked with the Ukrainian flag, landed at London Stansted Airport on Saturday morning. Originally scheduled to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday, Zelenskyy pushed forward the bilateral talks in light of recent developments.
The London summit remains a critical moment for Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts. As uncertainty looms over U.S. support, Europe’s role in the conflict may become even more crucial in the months ahead.
