Current Foreign Affairs: Zelenskyy's Bold Defiance

Yesterday Zelensky had a heated exchange in the white house with President Trump and vice president JD Vance over the war in Ukraine. As a result Zelenskky was kicked out of the white house and the US-Ukraine negations came to an abrupt halt. It was quite shocking to see this clash captured in front of the media and truly marks a sudden turn in world diplomacy. Initial reaction was that maybe Zelenskky overplayed his cards, however to be fair I completely understand his frustration. Trump has publicly accused Ukraine of starting the war (which is a lie), has begun negotiations with Russia first, declared NATO is out of the question for Ukraine, and is now demanding their precious resources in return for US support. It's no wonder their was tension coming into this meeting that hat lead to a historical diplomatic collapse. 

But I’m not sure what Zelenskyy hoped to achieve with that spat in the White House (and in front of the media). Maybe he walked into a trap just waiting to be triggered by Trump's strong-armed talk, or the media's jokes about him not wearing a suit. Maybe he was trying to look strong and composed but I'm not sure it went to plan. As sad as it is Ukraine simply does not have a good path forward without American support. Therefore showing thankfulness and groveling was probably the only way forward in the relationship.

 Or.... Maybe Zelenskyy just did not want to grovel and be thankful to Trump. After all it was Biden who supported Ukraine for 3 years, NOT Trump. Maybe the goal was to stand his ground, not easily hand over his resources and territory without more security guarantees from the negotiations. Maybe it was to win the public’s favor as the downtrodden leader, clearly bullied by America's new tyrannical regime. It was indeed refreshing to see someone finally stand up to Trump. But still what is his endgame if he planned to start a public fight with Trump that could essentially end their alliance.

 My how the pendulum has swung! At the onset of the war Ukraine seemed to have the advantage with strong support from the US and Europe. But now thanks to our change in presidency, the advantage has clearly shifted to Russia. After years of strong alliance, Ukrainian relations with the US epically collapsed in a matter of minutes during this dialogue. So who does Ukraine turn to now? Can today’s dispute be quickly resolved or will Zelenskyy stay proud and stubborn. To NOT apologize to Trump could indeed show great strength. Can Europe get behind this sudden break-up with America? And more importantly can the war-torn people of Ukraine support Zelesnkyy's act of defiance to continue its fight.

But what hope does Ukraine have to defeat Russia without the support of the US. Can they rely on a major boost of funding and much-needed manpower from Europe? Seems unlikely as Macron and Starmer were just chumming with Trump this past week. Maybe Zelenskky's found a new ally in the recently elected German chancellor Merz. Who has already publicly declared strong support for Ukraine. Maybe Merz realizes that NATO is collapsing and Europe must strengthen itself more than ever in this Trump/Putin age. Maybe this could mark the beginning of a stronger European alliance free from US influence.

 The question now is whether today’s major dispute marks the end of US-Ukraine relations. Does Zelenskyy continue to fight without America support? Is he simply playing hardball with Trump to get a more favorable guarantee from the US? Or is it time for the battle-fatigued Zelenskyy to resign so a new Ukrainian president can restore American relations? This resignation would only favor Putin's demands and most likely give nothing back to Ukraine. This is truly a pivotal moment that could lead to the end of the Ukraine-Russian war or the beginning of a European-Russian War (which could also be referred to as WWIII). Which side would the US be in this greater conflict? I for one feel like the US is suddenly on the wrong side of this dispute, not as the good guy defenders but rather the bad guys supporting the wolves.

 One thing is for sure, Zelenskky has nothing to apologize for, and if anyone should apologize it's Trump and JD Vance. They're behavior was very rude, presumptuous, and not very considerate to Zelenskky's cause. Ukraine is without question the victim in this dispute, clearly on the side of  righteousness, a country that was illegally invaded. This sudden change in American diplomacy towards Ukraine is not about peace but rather Trump money involved in the conflict. Trump has most likely already made a deal with Putin to sustain the land they conquered from Ukraine. And to give up its land can only open the door to further land grabs in this sudden age of tyrants. I truly hope Ukraine can endure this sudden shift and the European nations can rise up together against pure wickedness.