Trump's Oval Office clash with Zelenskyy highlights limits of Western influence on US leader

Zeke Miller writes about this in his article for Associated Press.

The clash underscored how strongly Trump feels empowered to reshape U.S. foreign policy around his "America First" agenda, going far beyond the approach of his turbulent first term.

The unexpected confrontation was the most intense public exchange between world leaders in the Oval Office in recent memory, as the typically formal diplomatic process broke down into finger-pointing, shouting, and eye-rolling.

“The encounter left the future of the U.S.-Ukraine relationship, and Kyiv’s ability to defend itself in the brutal conflict with Russia, in mortal jeopardy,” the author says. 

The dramatic incident concluded a week of mostly unsuccessful attempts by U.S. allies to smooth over tensions between Washington and Kyiv and to dissuade Trump from his overtures toward Moscow.

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a defense hawk and strong Trump ally, said he had advised Zelenskyy before the meeting "not to take the bait" when dealing with Trump, who is known for delivering criticism but strongly resisting it himself.

“The episode was just the latest instance of Trump’s brazen moves to shift long-held American policy positions in his first six weeks back in office, portending even more uncertainty ahead for longtime American allies and partners who have already felt pressed to justify their place in Trump’s eyes,” the article says.

Following the Oval Office clash, top Trump advisers asked Zelenskyy to leave the White House, canceling plans for a lunch, a joint press conference, and the signing of the economic agreement.

Later, Trump told reporters he didn’t want to "embolden" Zelenskyy if he wasn’t seeking "peace" with Russia—turning what Ukraine viewed as an incentive for security guarantees into a pressure tactic.

After the tense encounter, Zelenskyy appeared on Fox News, telling that his public clash with Trump and Vance was "not good for both sides." 

However, Zelenskyy emphasized that Trump must understand that Ukraine cannot change its stance toward Russia.

“It’s so sensitive for our people,” Zelenskyy said. “And they just want to hear that America (is) on our side, that America will stay with us. Not with Russia, with us. That’s it.”

Zelenskyy acknowledged that without U.S. support, his country’s position would grow “difficult.”

According to the Associated Press, Zelenskyy closed his Fox News appearance “with a sheepish expression of remorse as he struggled with the reality of Trump’s new direction in Washington”.