Letters to the Editor: The Confrontation Between Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House

The Topic: The confrontation between President Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky during a widely broadcast press conference in the Oval Office.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not improve his situation during his recent meeting at the White House, where he consistently refused to entertain the idea of a cease-fire (“Get the Zel Out,” March 1).

Historically, wars—excluding World War II—tend to conclude in this manner: first a cease-fire, followed by negotiations.

Moreover, Zelensky would bolster his position by expressing more appreciation towards American taxpayers. Without their support, he and his compatriots would likely already have succumbed to Russian dominance.

Kenneth Fitzgerald

Hicksville

The disgraceful spectacle of bullying exhibited on Friday in the White House by President Trump and Vice President JD Vance during the press conference with Ukraine’s leader left me feeling as embarrassed to be an American as I did watching the insurrection on January 6. It was undoubtedly a premeditated, Roy Cohn-style public humiliation aimed at Zelensky.

Vance’s demand for a public apology and his derision of Zelensky in front of the press only highlights his unfitness for office. If Vance can’t grasp why Zelensky has no trust in Putin, who has breached every agreement made over the past three years, then he shouldn’t even have been there.

Lou Maione

Manhattan

While many are focused on the events within the White House and the conduct of Trump and Vance, few are addressing the crucial points raised by Trump and whether they hold any validity.

He pointed out to Zelensky that he is losing the war, lacks negotiating power, and jeopardizes a potential World War III. These are significant matters worthy of discussion rather than the decorum displayed in the Oval Office.

Ray Warren

Mandurah, Australia

If there was any uncertainty about Trump’s stance on freedom, it was unmistakably shown during his disgraceful treatment of Zelensky.

The jabs from Trump began immediately after greeting his guest, with our president mocking Zelensky’s outfit by stating sarcastically, “You’re all dressed up today.” Yet Trump remained silent when his idol, Elon Musk, also appeared dressed casually in the Oval Office.

Zelensky is fighting for his people’s survival against a Russian war criminal responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children. It’s pathetic that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who once advocated strongly for Ukraine, sat impassively throughout Trump’s merciless attack on his guest.

It’s not surprising that the civilized world is alarmed.

Oren Spiegler

Peters Township, Pa.

Part of the issue stems from misinterpreting Zelensky’s statements. Trump’s irritation might have originated from Zelensky’s perceived disregard for the fact that Biden has been slow in providing Ukraine with the arms necessary to counter Putin’s aggression.

Zelensky’s phrasing may have unintentionally conveyed mistrust and disrespect.

Don Whitman

Cross River

The public fiasco, with Vance conveniently supporting the president, was a disgraceful display.

I have fought endlessly for both of these men and invested heavily in their support, only to feel disillusioned when it truly mattered. I will no longer entertain illusions of their merit and instead be cautious of potential betrayals like the one towards Zelensky.

Theresa Ward

Edison, NJ

Zelensky arrived in Washington with good intentions, simply wanting to ensure that America remains solidly aligned with Ukraine.

While far-right media may temporarily benefit from the “spectacle” in the Oval Office, Zelensky has successfully re-energized European support and the majority of Americans who seek genuine peace and stability on the continent.

Daniel Kuncio

Manhattan

If someone entered my home and scolded me on topics that weren’t open for discussion, I too would have shown them the door.

Trump was justified in canceling the minerals-agreement signing and ushering him out. Let’s hope Zelensky realizes his missteps and issues an apology so that the agreement can be finalized.

Richard Ketay