Ambassador Oksana's Distressed Reaction Draws Attention
Media Focuses on the Tense Atmosphere at the U.S.-Ukraine Summit
The expression of the Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S., who shook her head in distress during the summit between the United States and Ukraine, is drawing renewed attention. It starkly illustrates the desperate atmosphere at the scene.
On the 28th of last month (local time), U.S. CNN and other media outlets focused on the reaction of Oksana Markarova, the Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S., who was present at the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reporting on the atmosphere at the time.
As the US-Ukraine summit headed toward a breakdown, the Ukrainian ambassador to the US, who was present, shook his head with a despairing expression. Photo by X capture
Ambassador Markarova appeared shocked as the two leaders clashed intensely, covering her mouth with her hand and touching her forehead. She also furrowed her brow, bowed her head deeply, and shook it repeatedly.
Caitlin Collins, a CNN reporter who witnessed the ambassador directly, posted this scene on her X account, which surpassed 2 million views in just one day. CNN described it as "Ambassador Oksana clutching her head with her hands, pausing note-taking during the meeting."
ABC News also posted a photo, noting, "Ambassador Oksana was seen grimacing while Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance attacked Zelensky."
Regarding the clash between the two leaders, the British daily The Telegraph analyzed that "President Zelensky fell into a trap set by President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance." It suggested that President Zelensky was caught in a ‘diplomatic ambush’ prepared by Trump and Vance.
Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, sits in on the Trump-Zelensky summit, watching the heated exchange between the two and feeling frustrated. Photo by The Indian Express
The media pointed out that the trouble began when Vice President Vance interrupted, saying that President Trump was engaging in diplomacy with Russia for peace. President Zelensky could not let this remark pass and made the mistake of snapping back, "What diplomacy are you talking about?"
The bilateral talks proceeded smoothly for the first 40 minutes, but as verbal exchanges intensified in the latter half, the meeting ended early after 50 minutes. President Zelensky left the White House earlier than scheduled with Ambassador Oksana and the Ukrainian delegation.
Immediately after the summit ended in failure, on the 1st (local time), President Zelensky posted a lengthy statement on X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude by saying, "Thanks to the support of the United States, we have been able to survive." He added, "Although conversations can be difficult at times, to truly understand each other's goals, we must be honest and straightforward," urging continued U.S. support.
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