Trump Calls for Ceasefire, Warns Zelenskyy of Lost U.S. Support \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Donald Trump demanded an “immediate” ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine on Friday, warning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that failing to pursue peace could cost him U.S. support. The statement followed a tense Oval Office meeting where Trump berated Zelenskyy for being “disrespectful,” canceled a major minerals deal, and questioned Ukraine’s strategy. Trump claimed Putin is ready for peace, while Zelenskyy urged the U.S. to be more skeptical of Russian intentions. The fallout from the meeting deepens uncertainty over America’s role in Ukraine’s war effort.
Trump-Zelenskyy Oval Office Fallout: Quick Looks
- Trump Demands Ceasefire: Trump insists on an “immediate” ceasefire and warns Ukraine could lose U.S. support.
- Zelenskyy Pushes Back: The Ukrainian leader urges caution, reminding Trump of Putin’s history of broken peace deals.
- Tensions in the Oval Office: Trump cancels a minerals deal, dismisses Zelenskyy’s concerns about security guarantees, and accuses him of being ungrateful.
- Republican Divide on Ukraine: Some GOP leaders back Trump, while others fear the U.S. may abandon its key ally.
- European Leaders React: EU officials reaffirm support for Ukraine, warning that Western division strengthens Russia.
- Democrats Outraged: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer accuses Trump of “doing Putin’s dirty work.”
Deep Look
A Heated Oval Office Meeting Ends in Public Fallout
What was meant to be a diplomatic engagement between Trump and Zelenskyy instead turned into a public showdown, with Trump scolding the Ukrainian leader, canceling a minerals deal, and signaling a shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine.
During their nearly 45-minute meeting, Trump chided Zelenskyy for not pursuing peace and suggested that his hatred for Putin was a roadblock to negotiations.
- Trump to Zelenskyy: “You’re gambling with World War III. That’s very tough for me to make a deal with that kind of hate.”
- Vance to Zelenskyy: “Have you said ‘thank you’ once?”
- Zelenskyy’s response: “I have thanked the American people and the president many times.”
Zelenskyy had come to Washington seeking continued U.S. backing, but instead, he found himself on the defensive, as Trump and Vice President JD Vance made it clear that future support was conditional on Ukraine seeking a ceasefire.
Trump Signals Shift: No Longer Taking Sides?
At another point, Trump declared himself “in the middle”, stating:
“I am not on the side of Ukraine or Russia. I am on the side of peace.”
This marked a dramatic departure from previous U.S. policy, which had firmly backed Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion.
The White House meeting ended abruptly, with Zelenskyy and his delegation being asked to leave, their planned lunch with Trump canceled.
Following the meeting, Trump posted on his social media platform:
“Zelenskyy is not ready for peace. He disrespected the United States in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
He later added:
“Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion.”
Global Reactions: Western Unity in Question
European Leaders Reaffirm Support for Ukraine
The political backlash from Trump’s comments was immediate, with European leaders rushing to reassure Ukraine that their support remains strong.
French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and European Council President Antonio Costa all spoke to Zelenskyy privately, affirming that Europe remains committed to Ukraine’s war effort.
- EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Zelenskyy:
“Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone.” - Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, warned against abandoning Ukraine, stating:
“We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.” - Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed an urgent summit between the U.S. and Europe to address concerns over Trump’s shifting stance.
“Every division of the West makes us all weaker and favors those who would like to see the decline of our civilization,” Meloni said.
However, not all European leaders disapproved of Trump’s approach.
Far-Right Leaders Praise Trump’s Stance
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a Kremlin ally, celebrated Trump’s rebuke of Zelenskyy, posting:
“Strong men make peace, weak men make war. Today, President Donald Trump stood bravely for peace. Thank you, Mr. President!”
Similarly, Germany’s far-right AfD party leader Alice Weidel called the Oval Office confrontation “historic”, writing:
“Trump & Vance!”
These reactions highlight growing divisions in Europe over how to handle Ukraine’s war effort and relations with Russia.
What’s Next for U.S.-Ukraine Relations?
Will the U.S. Continue Military Aid?
Trump’s call for an immediate ceasefire raises serious concerns about whether he will continue sending military aid to Ukraine.
- The U.S. has provided over $180 billion in support since the war began.
- Trump canceled a minerals deal that was meant to help rebuild Ukraine’s economy.
- He refused to commit to security guarantees, further weakening Ukraine’s negotiating position.
Republicans are divided on the issue. Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch Trump ally, said on Fox News:
“I don’t know if you can ever do a deal with Zelenskyy anymore.”
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of “doing Putin’s dirty work.”
Final Thoughts: A New Phase in the Ukraine War?
The Trump-Zelenskyy confrontation marks a major turning point in U.S. foreign policy.
- Trump’s refusal to commit to Ukraine aid could alter the course of the war.
- European leaders are now preparing for the possibility that they may have to take on a greater role in funding Ukraine’s defense.
- Russia sees an opportunity to exploit Western divisions, increasing pressure on Ukraine to negotiate.
With Trump pushing for a ceasefire, Zelenskyy now faces a difficult reality—seek a peace deal on uncertain terms, or risk losing critical American support.
For now, Ukraine’s fate hangs in the balance, and the world is watching closely to see what happens next.
Trump Calls for Ceasefire
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