Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faced harsh criticism from US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance after a tense live television exchange, with Trump questioning Zelensky’s gratitude for US aid. The two countries have been allies in the ongoing war with Russia, which has claimed 47 civilian lives over the past 10 days.
Zelensky, who has led Ukraine through three years of Russian bombardment and savagery, was berated by Trump for not expressing enough gratitude for US support. Trump’s comments were seen as tone-deaf, particularly given the scale of Ukrainian casualties.
Despite the tense exchange, Zelensky expressed a desire to salvage his relationship with Trump, who has accused Ukraine of not being thankful enough for US aid. The two leaders have different perspectives on the war, with Ukraine bearing the brunt of the conflict and the US providing significant financial support.
The incident highlights the challenges facing the alliance between Ukraine and the US in the face of Russia’s aggression. With no clear solution in sight, Zelensky is under pressure to navigate the situation and find a way forward for his country.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/28/europe/analysis-trump-zelensky-split-intl-latam/index.html