Ukrainians Rally Behind Zelenskyy After White House Clash with Trump

Following a tense and highly publicized confrontation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, Ukrainians have overwhelmingly backed their leader despite the diplomatic fallout.

🔹 What Happened?

• Zelenskyy’s heated exchange with Trump left Ukraine’s future support from the U.S. in doubt.

• Trump’s blunt remarks and demands for Ukraine to negotiate with Russia outraged many in Kyiv.

• Despite the disastrous visit, Zelenskyy’s approval rating has surged, as has national unity.

🔹 Public Reaction in Ukraine:
💬 Yulia, a Kyiv resident: “Maybe it wasn’t diplomatic, but it was sincere. It’s about life—we want to live.”
💬 Andriy, 30: “They were so rude. They don’t respect the people of Ukraine.”
💬 Dmytro, 26: “It looks like Washington supports Russia!”

🔹 Zelenskyy’s Approval on the Rise 📊

• Before Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Zelenskyy’s approval was 37%.

• It soared to 90% after the invasion.

• Before Trump returned to office in 2025, it had settled at 52%.

• After Trump blamed Ukraine for the war, support jumped to 65%.

🔹 Opposition Voices Concerns, Calls for Stronger Alliances

• Opposition MP Inna Sovsun: “It was painful to watch a president who is a victim of Russian aggression being attacked by the leader of the free world.”

• She argues Ukraine must seek stronger ties with Europe, Canada, Australia, and Japan.

• But she insists: “Under no circumstances should Zelenskyy resign. That defies the very idea of democracy.”

🔹 Strategic Challenges Ahead 🌍⚠️

• The collapse of a minerals deal with the U.S. highlights Ukraine’s difficulty in securing long-term American support.

• Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, a rival of Zelenskyy, warns that U.S. backing remains crucial despite tensions.

• Military analyst Taras Chmut issues a stark warning: “This war will define the world order for decades. If Ukraine falls, who’s next?”

With Trump pushing his "America First" policy and questioning U.S. aid, Ukraine now faces a critical moment in its fight for survival—one that may reshape global security for years to come. 🌎

See more in: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgr2g4n4wvdo