Zensky is humble after confrontation, but Trumps America chooses Russia's side

Without publicity of a possible laughter in the Kremlin, the most sensational response to the public humiliation of Volodymyr Zensensky from the US Senate came. After President Donald Trump blew the Ukrainian president on Friday and the raw material deal for which Zensky had come to Washington, Senator Lindsey Graham was one of the first to be interviewed. The Republican Graham has always supported Ukraine since the Russian invasion of 2022: by calling Vladimir Putin a war criminal, to visit Ukraine several times and always vote for billions in American support.

The meeting between the government leaders was « a complete, total disaster, » said the senator from South Carolina Friday. « What I saw in the Oval Office was disrespectful and I don't know if we can ever do business with Zensky. (…) He must either get on or if he should change.  » Graham had never been « so proud » on Trump.

While European leaders and Democrats stunned and indignant watched how Trump and his vice president JD Vance Zelensky denied and broadcast the White Houseclapped or silent prominent republicans. Including the international hawks who abolish Trumps isolationism and rapprochement with Putin. House chairman Mike Johnson wrote on social media that « thanks to President Trump, the days that America is being abused and treated irreverently, ». At CNN, Foreign Minister Marco Rubio, rather fierce critic of Putin, accused Zensky, that he « started reading the lesson about how diplomacy is not going to work ».

Scarce counter

Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Ukraine Caucus, a squadron of congress members of both parties who support the country extra, removed A message on X that he had posted in the morning about a meeting with Zensky. « A huge step forward in securing mutual prosperity and peace for Americans and Ukrainians, » was the post that was erased.

Scarce contradictory came from Don Bacon representative. « A bad day for American foreign policy. Ukraine wants independence, free markets and the rule of law. It wants to be part of the West. Russia hates us and our Western values. We must be clear that we stand for freedom. « 

A bad day for American foreign policy

It is unclear whether the Escalation with Zensky, which is intended by Vance, was planned. A set of, even a fall? But as a result of this, the Trump government threatens not only to immediately stop all assistance to Ukraine, but also further excluding Zensky from negotiations on a ceasefire. Last month, Trump decided for the time being to talk exclusively with Russia about a possible file. He recently called Zensky « a dictator. » The – now stranded – agreement on Ukrainian soil treasures was intended to give Trump a fast deal and to get a place at the table for Zensky.

'Hand overwhelmed'

Before Trump left for Florida for the weekend, he told journalists in Washington that Zensky « His hand has overplayed« . He said to welcome Zensky again « when he is willing to stop fighting and make peace. » But through Graham, Republicans suggest what the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin wants for some time: Zensky should resign. Otherwise, for the time being no conversation seems possible about a file – let alone support or security guarantees – with some input from Ukraine.

After the confrontation, European leaders gave themselves en masse behind Zensky and Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated: “Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President Zensky.  » Foreign chief Kaja Kallas said that on Friday « it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. »

Prime Minister Dick Schoof tweeted: “The Netherlands supports Ukraine unabated. Right now. ” The upcoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wrote: “We support Ukraine in good and difficult times. We should never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.  » The British Prime Minister Keir Starmer « continues to support Ukraine unscathing and does everything to find a path to a lasting peace based on sovereignty and safety for Ukraine, » said a statement. French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and many others issued similar explanations. They consulted on Friday with each other and with Zensky about the spectacle that had taken place.

Although Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán thought that « Donald Trump was brave for peace, even though it was difficult for many to digest. » The Russian ex-president Dmitri Medvedev, the former president of Russia praised on Telegram Trumps 'punishment' of Zensky. PVV leader Geert Wilders tweeted, in English, criticism of both parties: « Fascinating TV, but probably not the best way to end a war, gentlemen. »

Gratitude

The Ukrainian president tried to do something afterwards. He tweeted immediately gratitude and humility He demanded Trump and Vance in the White House: “Thank you America, thanks for your support, thanks for this visit. Thank you @potus (President of the United States), the congress and the American people. Ukraine needs a just and sustainable peace and we are working hard on that.  » But in an interview with Fox News, he repented how the meeting went, but did not offer Trump apologies for it.

Only his popularity in Ukraine should determine whether Zensky stays as a president. Until now, he has been well supported by the population and there is no obvious alternative. But the question is whether he is still in conversation with Trump and his people's conversation, the new American government has been openly exchanged in the war in Ukraine started by Russia.

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