Afrasianet - Western media and a number of dignitaries react to the heated meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, and talk about the "humiliation of Zelensky in the White House", which was punctuated by heated discussions and Trump's rebuke of the Ukrainian president while the Ukrainian president received European support after being rebuked at the White House.

According to a CNN correspondent, "Trump and Zelensky went to a separate room after what happened in the Oval Office, with the Ukrainians wanting the talks to continue."

But, nevertheless, "the White House made it clear that it was time for them to leave, so Trump ordered the Ukrainians to leave," according to a White House official. 

In turn, Fox News said, citing White House officials, that "Zelensky was fired by Trump," and that he "did not leave of his own free will," noting that "the Ukrainians were begging to reset relations." 

Fox News quoted White House officials as saying that "Zelensky was told that he must leave the White House and return when he is ready for peace."
"Zelensky's humiliation in the White House"

For its part,  the British newspaper "Financial Times" said that "Zelensky's team made a number of errors in calculation," one of which was "offering a deal to the United States to share Ukraine's resources, in order to motivate the White House to strengthen Kiev's position before any talks with Moscow, and with the aim of providing post-war security support to deter Russia." 

"The second mistake was overestimating the Trump campaign's slogan: "Peace through Strength."

"Kiev downplayed Trump's ruthlessness in trying to extract as much metal as possible from the deal, while giving little of what Ukraine wants in return," the newspaper said, noting that "this week's final draft was less cumbersome than the first, but did not contain a security background."

"Zelensky has learned, the hard way, Trump's mentality and motivations, so that for the U.S. president   peace — as in the Middle East as well — means no fighting." 

"Zelensky, it seems, is interested in a ceasefire," but is "less interested in finding a lasting solution that prevents the return of war.

"Trump is driving the pursuit of economic gain," the newspaper said, while "his approach is heavily influenced by his personal feelings."

"Trump clearly holds a grudge against Zelensky, after his efforts, in 2019, forced Ukraine's leader to launch an investigation into Hunter Biden's activities in Ukraine, in exchange for U.S. aid to Trump's first trial."

In contrast, "Trump still retains a puzzling admiration for Vladimir Putin, whose language on the causes of the conflict in Ukraine has largely been embraced by the US president."

According to the Financial Times, "his tolerance of the Russian leader seems to be linked to his nineteenth-century worldview, which holds that world affairs should not be run by multilateral institutions, but by a handful of major powers and their powerful leaders, each with their own sphere of influence."

"Zelensky lacks the diplomatic talent of Emmanuel Macron and Kiir Starmer, the two European leaders who were able to build some understanding with Trump on two successful visits this week."

But "it seems that the Ukrainian president was also ambushed by the White House, which ended up humiliating him. After 3 years of war, his struggle to secure the country's sovereignty has entered its most dangerous phase."

Russian criticism and European support for Zelensky

Commenting on the heated meeting between Trump and Zelensky, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said that "Zelensky's biggest lie, of all his lies, is the statement issued at the White House that the Kiev regime, in 2022, was left alone without support." 

"The way Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance were able to discipline themselves and not punch this bastard is a miracle of endurance."

In a statement, the President of the European Commission, von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, sent a message of support to Zelensky, saying: "Dear President Zelensky... Be strong, courageous, and fearless. You're never alone." 

"We will continue to work with you to achieve a just and lasting peace." 

EU foreign policy chief Kaya Callas said that "Ukraine is Europe, and we will continue to support it," adding that "the free world needs a new leader, and we Europeans will face this challenge." 

The French presidency reported that President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Zelensky and reiterated his support for him after his clash with Trump. 

After Trump rebuked Zelensky, Ukraine's army chief declared "standing with the president," adding that "our strength is in our unity."