Volodymyr Zelensky is in a stronger position despite leaving the White House without a security guarantee after a blazing row with President Trump, according to Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik.
Speaking on GB News, Rudik said the president was wrong to suggest Putin is open to peace as Russia bombarded Kyiv once more after the showdown.
Asked by Michael Portillo if she feels Zelensky feels emboldened, Rudik said: “That’s true.
“The issue we faced over the past two weeks is a swarm of calls from the front line, people who are fighting, what is Trump saying about Ukraine starting the war and Zelensky being a dictator.
Kira Rudik said Zelensky is in a strong position
REUTERS / GB NEWS
“The best thing to think is it’s a Trump negotiation technique and we were relieved at Trump saying, ‘did I call him a dictator?’
“What we saw yesterday was absolutely disrespectful to the people who are fighting right now.
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“We did not start the war, I think that is absolutely obvious. There should be a red line to what is being spread.”
The Ukrainian leader openly challenged Trump over his approach toward Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting yesterday.
Trump accused Zelensky of risking World War Three and being ungrateful for American military aid to Ukraine.
The meeting quickly deteriorated into what Reuters described as a “vicious spat” in front of cameras.
Rudik hit out at Trump on GB News
GB NEWS
Trump visibly irritated the Ukrainian leader by refusing to condemn Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
The exchange was captured on video, showing the fierce confrontation between the two presidents.
On social media, Ukrainian officials and prominent individuals showed support for Zelensky, calling for unity in a country exhausted by three years of war.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa have issued identical statements in Ukrainian supporting President Zelensky.
The coordinated messages came after a reported row at the White House.
Both EU leaders published their statements in Ukrainian, a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the war-torn nation.
According to European Pravda, the statements were addressed directly to Zelensky.