The White House supported the position of President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance in defense of U.S. interests, following a tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this Friday.
"President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance made it clear to the world that no one will take advantage of the United States, a sentiment shared by the Cabinet and members of Congress from across the country," states the statement from the White House, issued hours after the heated debate.
The meeting of the presidents was broadcast live. Trump's goal was to pave a way towards peace in the war between Ukraine and Russia, but the encounter ended with shouting and insults between the two leaders.
Trump, on his platform Truth Social, accused Zelensky of "disrespecting the United States in the revered Oval Office" and claimed that the Ukrainian leader "is not ready for peace".
Without a peace agreement: What will happen to military aid?
The meeting between Trump and Zelenski did not succeed in reaching a concrete agreement to end the war in Ukraine. The United States' stance of conditioning financial aid created tensions with the Ukrainian government, which has insisted on the need for ongoing military support.
This Saturday, NEXTA reported that the United States government could immediately suspend military assistance to Ukraine because its priority is peace negotiations.
The press secretary of the Trump administration, Caroline Leavitt, stated: "Zelenski had a real opportunity to sign an economic agreement that would have been excellent for the American people to recover our tax dollars, and excellent for the Ukrainian people to rebuild their country, and unfortunately, he blew the deal in his own face."
Backing from Trump's cabinet and Congress
The Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, posted on X (formerly Twitter): "Thank you @POTUS for defending the United States in a way that no president has had the courage to do before. Thank you for putting the United States first. The United States stands with you!".
The Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, also praised Trump's stance: "We will not tolerate political games or disrespect towards the United States. America is back."
The Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, responded with a brief "Amen, Mr. President," while the Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, thanked Trump for "defending the American people on the global stage."
In the Congress, several Republican senators and representatives quickly aligned with the president. Lindsey Graham emphasized that "Trump wanted a ceasefire and Zelensky felt he needed to provoke him in the Oval Office."
For his part, Senator Josh Hawley criticized the billions of dollars that the United States has sent to Ukraine "without conditions and without true oversight."
Others, such as Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, supported Trump's firm stance towards Zelensky: "Putting Zelensky in his place while he disrespects the United States in the Oval Office is exactly what American leadership should be."
Zelensky's response
Despite the altercation, the Ukrainian president expressed gratitude to the United States for its support.
"Thank you, United States, for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you, President of the United States, to Congress and to the American people. Ukraine needs a just and lasting peace and we are working precisely to achieve it," he said on X.
Zelenski also acknowledged the tension in the debate with Trump: "Despite the tough dialogue, we remain strategic partners. But we need to be honest and direct with each other to truly understand our shared objectives."
The Ukrainian leader emphasized the need for military and financial support for the security of his country: "A ceasefire without security guarantees is dangerous for Ukraine. We have been fighting for three years, and the Ukrainian people cannot afford a temporary truce that only benefits Russia."
The backing from the White House and Republican lawmakers for Trump makes it clear that his administration prioritizes the "America First" doctrine. This could signify a shift in the role of the United States in the Ukrainian conflict and its relationship with European allies.
The future of the relationship between Washington and Kiev will depend on the decisions made by both governments and on Zelenski's ability to negotiate with the Trump administration, which has made it clear that its priority is American national interest.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Conflict between Trump and Zelenski
Why did the confrontation between Trump and Zelensky occur?
The confrontation between Trump and Zelenski arose from disagreements over the role of the United States in the war between Ukraine and Russia. Trump accused Zelenski of being unwilling to negotiate peace and of disrespecting the United States, while Zelenski insisted on the need for ongoing military support. The lack of agreement on these points created tensions during their meeting at the White House.
What is the stance of the United States on aid to Ukraine?
The Trump administration has decided to suspend military aid to Ukraine, prioritizing peace negotiations. The White House believes that Zelenski had the opportunity to sign a mutually beneficial agreement, but he rejected it. The United States is now looking to recover the funds invested through a mining deal with Ukraine.
How has Zelenski responded to Trump’s criticisms?
Despite the altercation, Zelensky has expressed gratitude towards the United States for its support and has reiterated his commitment to a fair and lasting peace. However, he has also criticized Trump's stance, suggesting that the American president lives in a "bubble of misinformation" influenced by Moscow.
What role does the United States Congress play in this conflict?
The United States Congress, especially Republican lawmakers, has firmly supported Trump's stance on handling the conflict with Ukraine. Several senators and representatives have defended the "America First" policy and criticized the use of American funds without proper oversight.
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