Former EU diplomat slams Trump, Vance over tense exchange with Zelenskyy

Former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell has condemned US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance for their heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“Trump and Vance have put on a disgraceful show. I am ashamed of that behavior. The U.S. deserves something better. The free world must support Ukraine. I was and still am with Ukraine,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Borrell’s message on X.

President Trump has recently sharply criticised President Zelenskyy following a tense and fiery confrontation in the Oval Office, accusing the Ukrainian leader of "disrespecting the United States of America." The two leaders had been set to hold a joint press conference following the signing of a framework mineral agreement, but the scheduled event was abruptly canceled. Sources familiar with the matter say the exchange escalated quickly, with Trump and Zelenskyy engaging in a shouting match, and Vice President Vance questioning whether Zelenskyy had sufficiently acknowledged US support for Ukraine. The disagreement has sparked concern among policymakers, with many wondering what impact the altercation will have on the US-Ukraine relations going forward.

By Naila Huseynova