Washington DC [USA]: Several people gathered outside the White House on Sunday, waving Ukraine’s flag and chanting slogans to demand justice for Ukraine following a contentious meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump. The Oval Office meeting, which was abruptly cut short, has sparked outrage and intensified debates over U.S. support for Ukraine.
#WATCH | Washington, DC: On the Oval Office spat between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, An American citizen, John says, "I agree with Trump as Ukrainians like to come in and bully people and we have been bullied too much by them…We have got… pic.twitter.com/suUoZ7c1LL
— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2025
Protesters expressed their disapproval of the U.S. administration’s stance, accusing it of abandoning a loyal ally in its struggle against Russian aggression.
One protester, a woman, said:
“I am out here because Ukraine has been a loyal ally. They gave up their nuclear weapons because we made them to. That made them vulnerable to an evil enemy. Who attacked without provocation and we have stood by them until recently. Our behaviour is disgraceful.”
#WATCH | Washington, DC: On the Oval Office spat between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, An American citizen, Elizabeth says, "Ukraine has been a loyal ally (of the US)…We have stood by Ukraine until recently and our behaviour since the new… pic.twitter.com/7WJKkR5X7p
— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2025
Calls for Continued U.S. Support
A Ukrainian citizen at the protest voiced gratitude to the American people but stressed the urgency of sustained support:
“I am here today to thank my American friends for standing with Ukraine after everything that happened in the Oval Office. We want this support to continue. We want to find a way to negotiate. We want the support of the US and Europe to get lasting peace; otherwise, Russia will rearm and reinvade again.”
She emphasized the need for security guarantees to ensure a lasting peace, highlighting the sacrifices Ukraine has made:
“We need peace more than anyone as we have lost so many people, and we don’t want to lose more. We want our kids, POWs to return. We want them to leave our territory, and then there will be peace.”
Divided Opinions on Trump’s Stance
#WATCH | Washington, DC: On the Oval Office spat between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, An American citizen, Mark says, "…Wars are never a good option for any side…US President Donald Trump said that I want to stop the killing…A… pic.twitter.com/aWr1mv7Q3Q
— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2025
#WATCH | Washington, DC: On the Oval Office spat between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, An American citizen, Maria says, "…Most of the Americans support Ukraine and we want that support to continue to help us finish the war and have just… pic.twitter.com/tiZTmSpCXk
— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2025
Meanwhile, Trump supporters presented a contrasting viewpoint, arguing that the U.S. has overextended its support to Ukraine. A man at the protest remarked:
“Actually, I agree with Trump. Ukrainians like to come and bully people. We have been bullied too much by them. They use fear of Putin for us to be sympathetic to them. We have Americans who are losing their benefits and jobs, but we are paying pensions and social securities in Ukraine.”
This divergence of opinions underscores the growing polarization in U.S. politics over the extent of support to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
International Efforts for Peace
Amidst the rising tensions, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced at a summit in London that the UK is working with France and other nations to draft a peace plan for Ukraine. The proposed plan would later be presented to President Trump, according to a CNN report.
President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the European support during the summit, emphasizing Ukraine’s aspiration for lasting peace and a stable relationship with Europe.
The situation remains fluid, with the outcome of these diplomatic efforts likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations.