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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has attacked former US president Donald Trump and senator JD Vance amid recent comments criticizing Ukraine’s spending on the war, asking what he wants from Ukraine after having felt shots fired by Ukraine for three years. The spat adds to tensions that had flared over the U.S. response to Ukraine’s war against Russia, with Zelensky calling out Trump and Vance for undermining efforts to foster peace in the country. The controversy has ignited a contentious debate, with Fox News, CNN and others weighing in.
Trump and Zelensky: A History of Tension
The dynamic between Trump and Zelensky has been strained since their infamous 2019 phone call that sparked Trump’s first impeachment. The two leaders have never agreed on much, with Trump often questioning the amount of aid the United States is giving to Ukraine and Zelensky pressing for stronger Western support. The most recent of those clashes came amid a recent Trump-Zelensky meeting, during which Trump reportedly railed at Zelensky for his handling of the war and criticized the effectiveness of U.S. assistance.
Senator JD Vance, a prominent voice against ongoing American engagement in Ukraine, mirrored trump’s remarks when he said the U.S. needs a “realignment of our priorities.” Those comments from Vance have drawn sharp rebukes from both Zelensky and U.S. lawmakers such as Lindsey Graham and Marco Rubio who have regularly backed Ukraine.
Zelensky’s Fiery Response
Zelensky did not mince words at a press conference that BBC News and Fox News glommed on to. “What did they expect after three years of war, after thousands of lives lost? A thank you for their criticism?” Zelensky said, his voice raised in anger. He noted that Ukraine has not only been fighting for its own survival — as it has from the beginning of the conflict — but also for the stability of Europe and the democratic world.
Zelensky also touched on the broader repercussions of Trump and Vance’s remarks, saying it could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Every time someone in the West undermines our resolve, or our need for support, Putin sees the opportunity,” he said.
International Responses and Diplomatic Consequences
The fallout from the meet-up between Trump and Zelensky has been Herculean. The focus of European leaders has instead been concerned with how the moves will affect Ukraine’s war effort, The New York Times and Reuters have reported. Meanwhile, Fox News and CNN have had heated discussion on what this means for U.S.-Ukraine relations, dragging analysts like Bret Baier and Brian Glenn into the fray.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has sought to downplay the friction, saying that President Biden remains committed to helping Ukraine. But the incident has revived discussions about U.S. foreign policy and the role of diplomacy to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
FAQs
What were Trump and Vance knocking Zelensky for?
Trump and Vance attacked Zelensky’s management of the war in Ukraine and suggested aid to Ukraine from the U.S. was ineffective.
How did Zelensky respond to that criticism?
Vladimir V. Putin of Russia) and undermine Ukraine’s efforts, using tougher language to slam Mr. Trump and Mr. Vance, as he criticized both of them, describing them as emboldening Mr. Putin and Moscow.
How has the world reacted to the Trump-Zelensky meeting?
European regulators and U.S. lawmakers have been alarmed, and media outlets from Fox News to CNN have been reporting on the impact.
