- The Trump-Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting on Friday severely damaged the relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine. While European leaders are expressing support for Ukraine, Republicans say President Trump is standing up for America.
- President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude after he left the meeting without signing a minerals or security agreement.
- Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Zelenskyy needs to resign or change his stance.
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From proud to pugnacious, Americans and the world are reacting to the now-viral Trump-Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting on Friday, Feb. 28. The meeting ended as the Ukrainian president left the White House without a mineral or defense agreement, as well as a severely damaged relationship with the Trump administration.
Here are two examples of the polarized response:
The European Union high representative for foreign affairs, Kaja Kallas, posted on X, “We will step up our support to Ukraine so that they can continue to fight back the agressor.”
“Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge,” Kallas continued.
Another example is Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who said President Donald Trump stood up for America.
“Somebody asked me, am I embarrassed about Trump,” Graham said. “I have never been more proud of the president.”
Graham has been to Ukraine approximately eight times since the war began and has been a steadfast supporter of both the country and its president. However, after the meeting, Graham said Zelenskyy should resign or change his stance.
“What I saw in the Oval Office was disrespectful and I don’t know if we can ever do business with Zelenskyy again,” Graham said.
The White House, Trump’s cabinet and Republicans in Congress all contend that the president was standing up for American interests.
“President Trump is making it clear the international community must do their fair share instead of solely relying on American taxpayers to foot the bill,” Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., posted on X.
Democrats counter that Trump is aligning himself with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“The winner is not United States and the winner isn’t Ukraine…the winner is just, very clearly, it’s Vladimir Putin, a criminal,” Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., said.
During the Oval Office meeting, Vice President JD Vance asked Zelenskyy why he isn’t more thankful for American support.
After Zelenskyy left the White House, he put out a statement thanking the president, Congress and the American people for their support throughout the war.
Dozens of European leaders are stating their support for Ukraine, and Zelenskyy is making a point to thank each one individually.
