Zelenskyy's Defiant Message After Trump Showdown, Says 'Ukraine Must Never Be Forgotten'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a day after unprecedented White House showdown with Donald Trump , met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on Saturday. “You are welcome here and we stand with you. We must achieve peace in Ukraine,” said Starmer to Zelenskyy 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. 

A video circulating on social media allegedly shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky swearing at U.S. Vice President JD Vance during a heated confrontation in the Oval Office. The altercation reportedly took place on Friday at the White House, where Zelensky, Vance, and President Donald Trump engaged in a public verbal spat. Read more 

Ukraine lost hundreds of troops on the battlefield on the same day Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a fiery fallout with President Donald Trump.

On Trump showdown, Russian FM Spokeswoman Zakharova said, “Zelenskyy’s outrageous behavior confirms he is dangerous to world community. His Oval officie antics a complete political and diplomatic failure of kiev regime.” 

As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy landed in London to meet Sir Keir Starmer today, he posted on X, formerly Twitter: “I’m thankful to President Trump, Congress for their bipartisan support, and American people. Ukrainians have always appreciated this support, especially during these three years of full-scale invasion.”

In a striking shift in tone, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy moved from a defiant stance on ensuring Ukraine remains heard to expressing deep gratitude for U.S. support including a direct acknowledgment of former President Donald Trump.  

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should apologize to President Donald Trump after a heated exchange in the Oval Office. “Zelenskyy should apologize for turning this thing into the fiasco for him that it became," Rubio said accusing Ukrainian President of being "antagonistic".

“It is very important for us that Ukraine is heard and that no one forgets about it, neither during the war nor after. It is important for people in Ukraine to know that they are not alone, that their interests are represented in every country, in every corner of the world," Zelenskyy after booted out of Oval House. 

With leaders from across Europe and Canada expressing their support for Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian President went on a thanking spree.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said his country “remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine,” which is “mounting the defense of a proud, democratic, and sovereign nation, but also the defense of international law.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned that a division between the US and the European Union could harm future relations and called for a summit.

Meloni said, “Every division of the West makes us all weaker and favors those who would like to see the decline of our civilization—not just its power or influence, but the principles that founded it, first and foremost, freedom. A division would not benefit anyone. What is needed is an immediate summit between the United States, European states, and allies to talk frankly about how we intend to deal with the great challenges of today, starting with Ukraine, which we have defended together in recent years, and those that we will be called upon to face in the future. This is the proposal that Italy intends to make to its partners in the coming hours.”
 

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has extended support to Ukraine following the White House showdown between Trump and Zelensky, stating that Ukraine can rely on Germany.

“No one wants peace more than the citizens of Ukraine! That is why we are jointly seeking the path to a lasting and just peace. Ukraine can rely on Germany – and on Europe,” he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron lashed out at Russia following US President Donald Trump’s confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The French President called Russia the aggressor and Ukraine the aggressed.

“Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine is the aggressed people. I think we were right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago, and to continue doing so. We—meaning the United States, Europe, Canada, Japan, and many others—must thank all those who have helped and respect those who have been fighting since the beginning. Because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, their children, and the security of Europe. These are simple things, but they are good to remember at times like these. That’s all.”

Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Dubinsky has called for the impeachment of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following an intense war of words between Zelensky, US President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance during a meeting at the White House on Friday.

Oleksandr Dubinsky has been a member of Ukraine’s parliament since 2019. The 43-year-old was arrested for two months in 2023 on suspicion of state treason and was also reportedly accused of spreading misinformation about Ukraine’s political leadership.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday pledged "unwavering support" for Ukraine and spoke to both US President Donald Trump and Ukraine counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky after their intenseWhite House meeting.

"The prime minister has tonight spoken to both President Trump and President Zelensky. He retains unwavering support for Ukraine, and is doing all he can to find a path forward to a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine," said a spokeswoman for Starmer's Downing Street office.
 

The Ukrainian president has thanked the global leaders for rallying behind him in support.

Zelenskyy reposted the tweets from the leaders on X, with the message: “Thank you for your support.”
 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected calls for his resignation following his altercation with former President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.

“No, this decision can only be made by the people of Ukraine,” he stated. Zelensky emphasized that only the people of Ukraine can decide his future in office.  

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy can return to the White House only when he is “ready for peace."

“I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage; I want PEACE," President Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.

“He (President Zelenskyy) disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace,” Trump added.

Tulsi Gabbard, the new US Director of National Intelligence, thanked President Donald Trump for his “unwavering leadership” after his public confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Friday.

“Thank you @realDonaldTrump for your unwavering leadership in standing up for the interests of the American people, and peace,” Gabbard wrote on X.

In a tweet, President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen rallied behind Zelenskyy and said he is not alone in working toward peace. "Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people.

Be strong, be brave, be fearless.

You are never alone, dear President @ZelenskyyUa.

We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace."

According to a Reuters report, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Friday that Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy had received a well-deserved “solid slap” from President Donald Trump, as Russian officials reacted with glee to the public clash.

In a tweet, Justin Trudeau supported Ukraine and stated, "For three years now, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience.

Their fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all.

Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and Ukrainians in achieving a just and lasting peace."
 

Ukraine's European partners as well as other global leaders rallied behind President Volodymyr Zelenskyy while the White House touted support for President Donald Trump's American First strength after a remarkable showdown in the Oval Office between the two leaders.

Zelenskyy's timeline on X was filled with messages of support from European allies and other countries from across the world. His response to all the messages was Thank you for your support.
 

Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanded an apology from Zelensky to apologise for the public spat with President Donald Trump.

Zelensky should "apologise for wasting our time for a meeting that was going to end the way it did," Rubio said after the Oval Office blowup. 

Sweden's Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, expressed his support for Ukraine.

"Sweden stands with Ukraine. You are not only fighting for your freedom but also for all of Europe’s. Slava Ukraini!" his post read.

In an X post, Anthony Albanese said, "For three years, Australia has proudly supported the brave people of Ukraine in their struggle to defend their sovereignty against the brutality of Russian aggression and in support of international law."

He emphasized that Australia stands with Ukraine.

Ukrainian Americans expressed mixed reactions Friday to the faltering mineral rights deal between Ukraine and the Trump administration, with some questioning the agreement's benefits for the Ukrainian people and others focusing on the urgent need to end the war with Russia.

Amid the heated exchange between Trump and Zelenskyy at the White House, Democrats launched a fierce attack, accusing the US leadership "doing Putin's dirty work."

Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrats' leader in the chamber in a post on X said, "Trump and Vance are doing Putin’s dirty work. Senate Democrats will never stop fighting for freedom and democracy."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his unwavering support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following his heated exchange with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the White House. Trudeau’s backing of Zelenskyy comes as Canada faces a looming tariff dispute with the US, with new tariffs set to take effect on March 4.

In a post on X, Trudeau said, "Russia illegally and unjustifiably invaded Ukraine. For three years now, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience. Their fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all. Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and Ukrainians in achieving a just and lasting peace."

Trump-Zelenskyy Live Meeting: The Ukrainian President admitted public spat with Trump and Vance was “not good for both sides."

According to AP, Zelenskyy left White House without signing US-Ukraine critical minerals deal Trump had demanded. 

Zelenskyy was expected to sign the deal allowing the US greater access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and hold a joint news conference, but that plan was scrapped after the heated engagement between the leaders in front of the news media.

(Source-AP)

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Friday berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the war in Ukraine, accusing him of not showing gratitude after he challenged Vance on the question of diplomacy with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

The argument in the Oval Office was broadcast globally. It led to the rest of Zelenskyy’s White House visit being canceled and called into question how much the U.S. will still support Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion.