Russia welcomed the heated Trump-Zelensky clash at the White House, with officials and state media praising Trump’s stance. Dmitry Medvedev and Maria Zakharova harshly criticized Zelensky, while some saw the event as a shift in US policy. The confrontation underscored growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv.
After a fiery clash between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, Russian officials and state media expressed satisfaction with the outcome, as Zelensky abruptly cut short his visit following the heated exchange.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on the incident, praising Trump’s restraint in not escalating physically against Zelensky during their confrontation. She criticized Zelensky’s statements, particularly his assertion that the Ukrainian regime stood alone in 2022 without support.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council and former president, was more direct in his criticism, labeling Zelensky as an “insolent pig” who received a deserved rebuke in the Oval Office. Medvedev accused Zelensky of pushing the world toward conflict and urged an end to military aid for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, called the clash a historic turning point in US policy. Yevgeny Primakov, head of Russia’s Agency for International Humanitarian Cooperation, went further, claiming Zelensky was deliberately provoking violence.
Russian state media also highlighted the event, with RT reporting on social media that Zelensky appeared subdued as US leaders criticized him. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a Putin ally, sided with Trump, praising his efforts for peace despite widespread criticism.
The Oval Office confrontation occurred against a backdrop of escalating tensions over Trump’s attempts to negotiate a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Trump and Vice President JD. Vance admonished Zelensky for his perceived disrespect and reluctance to negotiate, leading to the cancellation of a planned news conference.
Before the meeting, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed Russia’s willingness to engage in dialogue with the US based on mutual respect, dismissing suggestions that diplomacy should be conducted solely through displays of strength.