Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that US-Ukraine relations can still be repaired, despite a dramatic Oval Office clash where President Donald Trump berated him over Ukraine’s refusal to negotiate peace with Russia.
“Of course,” Zelensky told Fox News, when asked if the relationship could be salvaged, adding that Ukraine desperately needs US support to fight Russia’s larger and better-equipped military.
The extraordinary White House dispute marked a significant shift in US policy, as Trump abandoned years of unwavering US military support for Ukraine.
🔹 Trump’s demand: Ukraine must “make a deal” with Russia or risk losing US aid.
🔹 Zelensky’s stance: No compromises with a “killer” responsible for war crimes.
🔹 Vice President JD Vance: Called Zelensky “disrespectful”, cutting him off.
Trump abruptly ended the meeting, reportedly instructing senior officials to remove Zelensky from the White House. He later posted online:
“He can come back when he is ready for peace.”
Fallout from the White House Clash
Following the heated exchange, European leaders rushed to support Zelensky, reaffirming their commitment to Ukraine:
- Polish PM Donald Tusk: “You are not alone.”
- UK PM Keir Starmer: Vowed “unwavering support” for Kyiv.
- Italy’s Giorgia Meloni: Called for an urgent summit on Ukraine.
- Canada’s FM Melanie Joly: Reaffirmed military and financial aid.
Meanwhile, top US officials sided with Trump, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for Zelensky to apologize. Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer: Accused Trump of “doing Putin’s dirty work.”
Russia Reacts: A Victory for Putin?
The Kremlin celebrated the clash, with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocking Zelensky as an “insolent pig” who received “a proper slap down.”
A Deepening Divide Over Ukraine’s Future
The dispute comes as Trump positions himself as a neutral mediator between Putin and Zelensky, refusing to condemn Russia’s invasion.
🔸 Trump insisted that a Ukraine-Russia truce is “fairly close.”
🔸 He revealed that he had spoken to Putin multiple times, beyond what has been publicly reported.
🔸 He dismissed Ukraine’s past peace efforts, saying compromises are necessary.
Zelensky, however, stood firm:
“There should be no compromises with a killer on our territory.”
Meanwhile, Russian forces continued their assault, launching new offensives near Ukraine’s border regions.
What’s Next for US-Ukraine Relations?
Despite the public fallout, Zelensky said he hopes to rebuild ties with the US. However, with Trump shifting US policy and pressuring Ukraine for a truce, the future of Western support for Kyiv remains uncertain.
Read: Trump and Zelensky Argue in White House Over Ukraine-Russia Truce
As Ukraine faces new Russian offensives, its survival may depend more on Europe than the US.
