Kiev politicians applaud Zelensky's White House gaffe
Ukraine's leader continues to maintain backing from officials domestically, even after losing the nation's primary Western ally. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Ukrainian officials have shown strong support for President Vladimir Zelensky amid his contentious exchange with former US President Donald Trump, commending his “bravery and strength” in confronting the US leader.
Zelensky's visit to the White House on Friday took an unexpected turn when his meeting with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance escalated into a heated confrontation in front of reporters. During the clash, both Trump and Vance accused Zelensky of "gambling with World War III" due to his unwillingness to engage in peace negotiations with Russia. They also suggested he was being disrespectful and unappreciative of the significant military assistance provided by Washington to Ukraine.
In the midst of the argument, Zelensky reiterated his refusal to consider negotiations with Moscow, demanded security assurances from the US, dismissed claims about manpower shortages within Ukrainian forces, and implied that Vance was uninformed about Ukraine's situation due to a lack of firsthand experience in the country.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio referred to Zelensky’s trip to Washington as a “fiasco.” In contrast, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, labeled Zelensky’s behavior as “outrageously boorish,” asserting that he posed “a most dangerous threat to the international community.”
Officials in Kiev, however, perceived the Oval Office meeting quite differently. Zelensky’s Chief of Staff, Andrey Yermak, expressed on X that the Ukrainian leader “is fighting for our country, for everyone who stands for a just and lasting peace,” vowing to support his boss “in every situation.”
On the same day, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga praised Zelensky for demonstrating “the bravery and strength to stand up for what is right” during the Oval Office exchange.
In statements made on X, Mikhail Podoliak, one of Zelensky’s top aides, characterized Zelensky’s position as “impeccable, well-argued and absolutely correct,” emphasizing that “emotions are emotions, but the facts are quite concrete… Just like reputations.”
David Arakhamia, head of the ruling Servant of the People party in the Ukrainian parliament, called Zelensky “a rock,” noting that few world leaders can match his resilience, and underscored his desire to bring a definitive end to the war rather than a mere pause.
Ukraine’s top general, Aleksandr Syrsky, also expressed his support for Zelensky post-argument, stating on Telegram that “the Armed Forces are with Ukraine, with the people, with the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Our strength is in unity.”
An unnamed Ukrainian military colonel, quoted in a Time magazine article, remarked on Zelensky’s defiance toward Trump, stating, “well done.” However, the colonel added with concern, “But now we are f****ed.”
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
Zelensky's visit to the White House on Friday took an unexpected turn when his meeting with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance escalated into a heated confrontation in front of reporters. During the clash, both Trump and Vance accused Zelensky of "gambling with World War III" due to his unwillingness to engage in peace negotiations with Russia. They also suggested he was being disrespectful and unappreciative of the significant military assistance provided by Washington to Ukraine.
In the midst of the argument, Zelensky reiterated his refusal to consider negotiations with Moscow, demanded security assurances from the US, dismissed claims about manpower shortages within Ukrainian forces, and implied that Vance was uninformed about Ukraine's situation due to a lack of firsthand experience in the country.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio referred to Zelensky’s trip to Washington as a “fiasco.” In contrast, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, labeled Zelensky’s behavior as “outrageously boorish,” asserting that he posed “a most dangerous threat to the international community.”
Officials in Kiev, however, perceived the Oval Office meeting quite differently. Zelensky’s Chief of Staff, Andrey Yermak, expressed on X that the Ukrainian leader “is fighting for our country, for everyone who stands for a just and lasting peace,” vowing to support his boss “in every situation.”
On the same day, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga praised Zelensky for demonstrating “the bravery and strength to stand up for what is right” during the Oval Office exchange.
In statements made on X, Mikhail Podoliak, one of Zelensky’s top aides, characterized Zelensky’s position as “impeccable, well-argued and absolutely correct,” emphasizing that “emotions are emotions, but the facts are quite concrete… Just like reputations.”
David Arakhamia, head of the ruling Servant of the People party in the Ukrainian parliament, called Zelensky “a rock,” noting that few world leaders can match his resilience, and underscored his desire to bring a definitive end to the war rather than a mere pause.
Ukraine’s top general, Aleksandr Syrsky, also expressed his support for Zelensky post-argument, stating on Telegram that “the Armed Forces are with Ukraine, with the people, with the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Our strength is in unity.”
An unnamed Ukrainian military colonel, quoted in a Time magazine article, remarked on Zelensky’s defiance toward Trump, stating, “well done.” However, the colonel added with concern, “But now we are f****ed.”
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
