Ukrainians have been left "shocked and stunned" by a public White House row between US President Donald Trump and his counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
US Vice President J.D Vance also involved himself in the argument, where both American leaders harassed Mr Zelenskyy for not wearing a suit and not being grateful enough to the US for past military support, among other things.
A number of European allies have come out to stand in support of Ukraine, including the EU Commission and Council.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed Mr Zelenskyy in a tweet:
"Your dignity honours the bravery of the Ukrainian people," she said.
"Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear friend @ZelenskyyUa.
"We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace."
Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people.
Be strong, be brave, be fearless.
You are never alone, dear President @ZelenskyyUa.We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 28, 2025
There will now be huge pressure put on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to represent the EU’s stance during his St Patrick’s Day visit to the White House.
Ukraine correspondent for Radio France Internationale and France24 Emmanuelle Chaze told The Anton Savage Show that Ukrainians were “shocked and stunned” to see the level of disrespect their President was addressed with.
"People here really stand behind their President, no matter how much criticism he can draw in terms of internal politics,” she said.
“The people of Ukraine – and even the opposition – really stand firm behind Volodymyr Zelenskyy when it comes to him representing the country on the international stage.
“What we’ve seen last night was unprecedented for any leader to be treated that way.”
Vice President JD Vance, right, speaks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, as President Donald Trump listens in the Oval Office at the White House, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/ Mystyslav Chernov)Ms Chaze said most Ukrainians were under the impression that Mr Trump would not have spoken to Russian leader Vladimir Putin in the same way that he spoke to Mr Zelenskyy.
“What was thrown at Volodymyr Zelenskyy last night was the Kremlin’s words against him and against the Ukrainian people,” she said.
“That adds insult to injury; the injury of Ukrainians being attacked for not just three years, but more than 11 years by their neighbour.
“Ukraine is left reeling this morning after this dramatic U-turn in American policy.”
Future of American assistance
According to Ms Chaze, it is clear to Ukrainians that they can no longer rely on Washington for support.
“Of course, Ukrainians will be worried about the future of further American assistance, especially military assistance,” she said.
“People here are, of course, very bitter about what happened.
“But they’re also very aware that, with friends like these, who needs enemies?”
Ms Chaze said Ukrainians will not give up the war “just because their President has been bullied by the White House”.
She said the country has no choice but to fight in the war due to relentless Russian attacks.
Listen back here:
Main image: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, listens to U.S President Donald Trump, right, during a very tense bilateral meeting at the Oval Office of the White House, February 28, 2025 in Washington. Credit: Pool Photo/Ukrainian Presidential Press Office/Alamy Live News
