Ukraine and Europe Shocked and Bewildered by Trump-Zelensky Meeting Ending in Disaster

Ukrainian Soldier: "War is Better Than a Shameful Peace"
Zelensky's Chief of Staff: "Support for a President Defending National Interests"
Europe Bewildered, UK Voices Call to Withdraw Trump's Invitation

The atmosphere among Ukrainian and European local officials on the 28th (local time), when U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance effectively rebuked and practically expelled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who visited the White House, was one of bewilderment.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump are meeting and having a heated argument on the 28th (local time). Photo by AFP Yonhap News

The Washington Post (WP) reported that Oleksandr (40), a Ukrainian soldier on the Kursk front who saw the video of the incident, said he could only utter "wow." He was also reported to have said, "We still have a lot to do. War is better than a shameful peace," showing determination.

Ukrainian political expert Maria Zolkina evaluated that President Zelensky, who had often been criticized for showing emotional behavior in diplomatic settings, maintained his composure even while being overwhelmed two to one on this occasion.

Zolkina said, "I fully support and acknowledge that he (Zelensky) restrained himself," adding, "In today's show, Zelensky represented not just himself but all of us. His main card was the right to have his own country, dignity, and the courage to defend it."

Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to the Ukrainian President, posted on X (formerly Twitter), "I support the president who heroically defends our national interests. Under any circumstances," and added, "We are grateful to those who stand on our side."

Local business consultant Oksana expressed anger at President Trump, who blamed Zelensky for the outbreak of war, saying, "Ukraine is not the one gambling on World War III. We are closer to being a bargaining chip in this game."

However, foreign media reported that Ukraine's reaction was not entirely praise for President Zelensky. Andriy (59), a lecturer at Kyiv Mohyla Academy, said, "Without the weapons supplied by the U.S., we cannot win this war. I don't know what will happen."

Mykola Knyazhytsky, a member of Ukraine's opposition, called the emotionally charged atmosphere of the talks unfortunate, saying, "The only ones pleased with the current situation are the Kremlin. Americans need to understand that the Ukrainian people want peace above all."

European countries, which had cautiously hoped for continued U.S. aid to Ukraine after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a relatively smooth summit with President Trump at the White House the day before, also appeared to be greatly shocked.

While most European countries, except for some pro-Russian ones like Hungary, declared solidarity with President Zelensky, some in the British Parliament have even argued that Prime Minister Starmer should withdraw King Charles III's state invitation to President Trump, which was conveyed the day before.

Ed Davey, leader of the centrist Liberal Democrats, the third-largest party in Parliament, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "This is the tyranny of Trump and Vance," adding, "If the UK and Europe do not step up, we will face a situation where Ukraine is betrayed."

The British Prime Minister's Office has not issued an immediate statement on this matter. The Washington Post reported that Boris Johnson, a close friend of President Trump who has fully supported Ukraine, has also not made an official response.

Russia appeared to blame Zelensky for the breakdown of the talks. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, wrote on Telegram, "It is a miracle of restraint that Trump and Vance somehow held themselves back from hitting this human scum."