As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended a European summit in London on Sunday to bolster global backing for his nation’s defense against Russia’s invasion, allies of U.S. President Donald Trump unleashed a barrage of criticism from Washington. Echoing Trump’s tone, senior White House officials and congressional Republicans took to the airwaves, urging Zelenskyy to show greater appreciation for U.S. aid and consider concessions to end the war with Russia—some even floating the idea that he step down despite his strong domestic support.
The sharp rebukes followed a tense Oval Office meeting on Friday, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly chastised Zelenskyy before scrapping a planned U.S.-Ukraine economic deal. The fallout has cast uncertainty over the future of bilateral ties and the prospects of resolving the conflict that erupted with Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who once praised Zelenskyy as a modern Winston Churchill after visiting Ukraine in the war’s early days, called the Ukrainian leader’s conduct during the meeting “incredibly disrespectful.” Reflecting on his earlier comparison, Waltz pointed out that Churchill lost power near the end of World War II. “He was the right leader for a crisis, but couldn’t guide Britain into peace,” Waltz said. “It’s an open question whether Zelenskyy can pivot Ukraine toward a negotiated endgame after what we witnessed.”
Waltz suggested a peace deal would require Ukraine to cede territory alongside unspecified “security guarantees” from Russia, though he offered no further details on Moscow’s obligations.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) joined the chorus, implying Zelenskyy’s leadership might be nearing its end. “He either needs to wake up and approach us with gratitude, or Ukraine needs a new leader to do so,” Johnson said. “That’s their call, but we’re restoring peace through strength.”
Trump’s pick for Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, described the meeting as sparking “a major fracture” in U.S.-Ukraine relations. She criticized Zelenskyy’s post-meeting Fox News comments, where he denied any missteps, saying, “Good-faith talks are off the table until Trump sees a shift in attitude.”
The synchronized push from Trump’s circle unfolded as Zelenskyy worked with European leaders to navigate the shifting U.S. stance. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged £1.6 billion (US$2 billion) in financing to deliver 5,000 air defense missiles to Ukraine, signaling continued European support.
Among congressional Republicans, backing for Zelenskyy has dwindled since Friday’s clash. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a rare GOP voice willing to defy Trump, condemned the administration’s approach. “Foreign policy isn’t easy, but watching us abandon allies and cozy up to Putin—a threat to democracy—turns my stomach,” she posted on X Saturday.