Ukraine

The Contrarian - Never before have we witnessed such a grotesque display of bullying in the Oval Office by a president and vice president of the United States. Berating a democratic ally for the temerity not to sacrifice his own country to Donald Trump’s idol, Vladimir Putin.

As the New York Times reported, “President Trump and Vice President JD Vance loudly berated President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine on Friday in an explosive televised shouting match unlike any seen in the Oval Office between an American president and foreign leader in modern times.” In a scene as jaw-dropping as it was disgraceful, Trump and Vance “castigated Mr. Zelensky for not being grateful enough for U.S. support in its war with Russia and sought to strong-arm him into making a peace deal on whatever terms the Americans dictate.”

At the onset, it appeared that Vance had provoked Zelensky, drawing on old grievances from the campaign and for failing to express gratitude.   The sight of an American president so out of control, so lacking in either grace or gravitas, and so dismissive of our own security needs marked a low point in the annals of U.S. foreign policy.

European leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine after Zelensky-Trump clash

Axios - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he doesn't think he needs to apologize for his public spat with President Trump and Vice President Vance at the Oval Office."I am not sure we did something bad," he told Fox News' Bret Baier.

The divide between the U.S. and Ukrainian leaders will likely lead to more changes in the Trump administration's policy towards Ukraine. A U.S. official said Trump is considering several retaliatory steps, including stopping military assistance to Ukraine.

"I respect President Trump and the American people, but we have to be very honest and direct to understand each other," Zelensky told Baier when asked whether he regrets the exchange with Trump and Vance. Zelensky said he thinks the discussion would have been better if it hadn't taken place in front of cameras, and that he "of course" thinks his relationship with Trump can be salvaged.