Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky‘s Oval Office meeting erupted into an unprecedented and bitter fight, sending shockwaves across the world.
During the spectacular extended bust-up, a red-faced Trump accused Zelensky of ‘gambling with World War III’ and at one point shoved the Ukraine leader.
Tempers flared with Vice President J.D. Vance also weighing in to give Zelensky a dressing down.
The extraordinarily angry confrontation threatened to overshadow talks for a ceasefire in the Ukraine-Russia war.
Afterwards, Zelensky immediately left the White House and a joint press conference was canceled.
Trump’s Oval Office meeting with Zelensky went off the rails after about 40 minutes when the Ukrainian president said he had signed deals with Putin, but the Russian leader could not be trusted.
He was pushing back after Trump and Vance insisted that he must compromise with Putin after three years of resisting the Russian invasion.
The result was an extraordinary row as carefully laid diplomacy came undone.
European leaders line up behind Zelensky
European leaders have been quick to offer their unstinting support for Zelensky in the wake of Donald Trump’s Oval Office meltdown.
French President Emmanuel Macron:
Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine is the aggressed people. I think we were all right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago, and to continue to do so.
Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz:
Nobody wants peace more than the citizens of Ukraine! That is why we are working together to find a way to a lasting and just peace. Ukraine can rely on Germany – and on Europe.
Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson:
Sweden stands with Ukraine. You are not only fighting for your freedom but also for all of Europe’s. Slava Ukraini!
Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Store:
We stand by Ukraine in their fair struggle for a just and lasting peace.
