The failed interrupted meeting at the White House is being evaluated by experts. The consequences of the brawl can be many. The immediate reaction from Ukraine's population and most of EU's leaders is to fully support President Zelensky.
Over the weekend, the UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer is hosting a top meeting in London. Suddenly, the meeting has got a new main point on the agenda.
Outwardly, the leaders will rally behind Zelensky – at the same time as they want to try to calm down, dampen the upset atmosphere, says Jakob Hedenskog, an analyst at the Centre for Eastern European Studies at the Foreign Policy Institute.
A reminder of Macron
Moreover, Zelensky must be given the opportunity to give his version of the meeting at the White House. Had Trump and Vice President Vance decided in advance to provoke Ukraine's president – or did the meeting collapse due to impulsive reactions?
Hedenskog ponders the meetings held at the White House this week, first with French President Emmanuel Macron and then with the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer – who brought a letter of invitation from King Charles.
Starmer was pleased with his meeting. Zelensky's meeting became roughly like the meeting Emmanuel Macron had with Trump earlier in the week, but much worse, says Hedenskog.
A gift to Putin
The question is whether Zelensky will be challenged in Ukraine for having failed in the meeting with Trump.
It would be strange if some of Zelensky's critics didn't try to make a point of him being a bad representative for Ukraine and that he has exhausted the relationship with the USA. And that one must now find other leaders.
The President's former adviser Oleksij Arestovytj can be a candidate, he has already announced that he is ready to stand in a presidential election when it becomes relevant. On the other hand, the dismissed but popular military chief Valerij Zaluzjnyj has not expressed a desire to challenge Zelensky.
For Russia and President Vladimir Putin, Trump's and Vice President JD Vance's attack on Zelensky is "a pure gift", according to Hedenskog.
Putin has got a lifeline.
