In Phoenix, senior aides and allies of President Donald Trump took aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he gathered support at a European summit in London. Amid ongoing tensions from the Russian invasion, Trump’s administration and Republican members of Congress criticized Zelenskyy during a series of media appearances, pressing him to show more appreciation for U.S. support and to consider potential concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring an end to the conflict. Some even suggested that Zelenskyy should contemplate stepping down, despite substantial backing from Ukrainians.
Amidst the criticisms, little guidance was provided on how Ukraine should proceed following a tense meeting on Friday at the White House. During this meeting, Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly scolded Zelenskyy before retracting an economic agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine, adding uncertainty to their diplomatic relations and the overall peace process for a war that began in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine.
National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who previously met with Zelenskyy in Ukraine and admired his leadership akin to that of Winston Churchill during World War II, described Zelenskyy’s recent conduct at the Oval Office as “incredibly disrespectful.” Drawing comparisons between Churchill and Zelenskyy, Waltz pointed out that Churchill was voted out towards the end of the war, highlighting the complexities of leadership transitions after wartime.
Waltz suggested that a peace agreement would require Ukraine to make territorial concessions with Russia reciprocating with security guarantees, though specifics on Russian commitments remain vague. The sentiment that Zelenskyy may need to step aside was echoed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who called for either a change in Zelenskyy’s approach or leadership for Ukraine.
Trump’s director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, remarked on a damaged relationship following the controversial White House meeting, criticizing Zelenskyy’s subsequent remarks that he saw no wrongdoing. She emphasized the need for rebuilding trust before Trump would consider re-engaging with Ukraine diplomatically.
As this diplomatic strain unfolds, European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aligned with supporting Ukraine, committing substantial aid. Starmer announced the UK’s plan to provide 1.6 billion pounds ($2 billion) in export financing for 5,000 air defense missiles to bolster Ukraine’s defenses.
In contrast to the President’s tough stance, some congressional Republicans showed support for Ukraine. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski openly criticized Trump, expressing concern over distancing from allies and engaging with Putin, whom she deemed a threat to democracy. On social media, Murkowski voiced her uneasy feelings regarding the administration’s foreign policy shift.
Senator James Lankford, R-Okla., warned against advocating for Zelenskyy’s resignation, citing potential chaos it could incite within Ukraine. Meanwhile, Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., expressed that millions of Americans felt embarrassed by the U.S. administration’s current attitude, urging the United States to uphold its democratic leadership by supporting struggling nations striving towards democracy.
These opinions were shared on various media platforms, with Waltz participating in CNN’s “State of the Union,” and Johnson, Sanders, and Lankford featuring on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Gabbard voiced her thoughts during an appearance on “Fox News Sunday.”
