Media: German president slams Trump after heated White House showdown with Zelenskyy

In a latest article, DPA describes that German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier sharply condemned US President Donald Trump following a heated argument between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during their meeting at the White House on February 28.

Speaking to the German journalists during his flight to Uruguay, Steinmeier expressed his shock over the intense confrontation, describing the scene as "deeply unsettling".

He remarked, “I would never have believed that one day we would have to protect Ukraine from the United States." Steinmeier's criticism of the US president continued, as he accused Trump of undermining diplomatic efforts. "Diplomacy fails when the interlocutors are humiliated in front of the whole world,” he said.

The German president also emphasised Europe's steadfast commitment to supporting freedom, democracy, and justice.

He added, “We must prevent Ukraine from being forced to accept submission. That is why our country urgently needs a strong government.”

The clash between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emerged as the most intense public conflict in the history of the Oval Office. In a dramatic 90-second exchange, weeks of delicate diplomacy collapsed as President Donald Trump sharply rebuked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, exposing the limits of international pressure on Trump to alter his approach to ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, even if it meant undermining Ukraine's interests.

The confrontation, one of the most heated public exchanges in the Oval Office in recent memory, underscored Trump’s growing confidence to shift US foreign policy in line with his "America First" agenda. This move, according to observers, marks a significant departure from his previous term, suggesting a shift in US priorities that extend far beyond traditional diplomatic norms. Trump’s remarks during the meeting revealed his frustration with Zelenskyy’s reluctance to accept terms that do not align with Ukraine's interests. "You either make a deal or we are out," Trump told Zelenskyy, signaling his intention to either secure a quick resolution to the war or pull US support, leaving Ukraine to fend for itself in the ongoing conflict with Russia. 

Trump even suggested that some military assistance could continue to Ukraine until a permanent peace deal with Russia was secured. However, tensions quickly flared when Zelenskyy raised concerns about trusting Putin’s promises to end the war. Vice President JD Vance immediately chastised Zelenskyy for airing such disagreements publicly, shifting the tone of the meeting dramatically. Zelenskyy became defensive, while Trump and Vance accused him of being ungrateful and “disrespectful” issuing stern warnings about the future of US support for Ukraine.

By Naila Huseynova