The clash between U.S. President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky at the White House sparked favorable reactions from Russian officials. Maria Zakharova commended Trump’s restraint, while Dmitry Medvedev criticized Zelensky harshly. The confrontation revealed underlying tensions regarding U.S. military aid and negotiations amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Notably, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban supported Trump, diverging from European leaders’ stance favoring Zelensky.
Following a heated exchange between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reactions emerged from Russian officials and state media with notable satisfaction. The confrontation concluded with Zelensky abruptly truncating his visit to Washington. Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, remarked that Trump displayed “restraint” by not resorting to physical violence, criticizing Zelensky for asserting that Ukraine was without support in 2022.
Zakharova claimed, “How Trump and Vance held back from hitting that scumbag is a miracle of restraint,” asserting that Zelensky was “biting the hand that feeds him.” Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, labeled Zelensky an “insolent pig” and noted that Trump had conveyed an uncomfortable truth to him during their encounter. Medvedev argued that Ukraine’s leaders are toying with the idea of escalating into a larger conflict.
Kirill Dmitriev, leading the Russian Direct Investment Fund, characterized the exchange as a “historic” moment, while Yevgeny Primakov from Russia’s Agency for International Humanitarian Cooperation accused Zelensky of inciting violence. Primakov stressed that the Kyiv regime might create provocative scenarios to garner sympathy internationally and pointed out the potential for tragic outcomes if civilian casualties were to occur.
Russian media coverage reflected approval of the encounter, with RT highlighting Zelensky’s discomfort during the meeting. Despite widespread European support for Zelensky, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed appreciation for Trump’s stance, asserting that effective leaders promote peace rather than conflict. The discord in the Oval Office coincided with escalating tensions regarding U.S. negotiations for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Trump criticized Zelensky for his perceived disrespect, implying that Ukraine lacks leverage in negotiations regarding military assistance. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance admonished Zelensky for failing to express gratitude for the extensive support provided by the United States. The tense atmosphere resulted in the cancellation of a planned press conference following their meeting, as Trump later voiced his discontent with Zelensky’s behavior on social media.
Prior to the confrontation, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov conveyed Russia’s intention to foster dialogue with the United States, stressing the importance of mutual respect. He distanced the notion that engagement with America should solely reflect a position of strength, as suggested by critics of Trump’s foreign policy.
In summary, the recent clash between President Trump and President Zelensky at the White House elicited a favorable response from Russian officials, who criticized Zelensky and praised Trump’s purported restraint. The exchange highlights significant tensions regarding U.S. support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. The episode underscores differing narratives surrounding military aid, public diplomacy, and the intricate dynamics of international relations.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
