Russia’s Foreign Ministry has strongly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s recent trip to Washington, calling it a political and diplomatic failure. The visit, which took place on February 28, 2025, saw Zelenskiy clashing with US President Donald Trump, worsening relations between Ukraine and the United States—Ukraine’s primary military ally.
Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, described Zelenskiy’s behavior during the White House meeting as “outrageously boorish” and accused him of being an “unabashed cynic” with a primary goal of holding onto power. Zakharova claimed that Zelenskiy has created a “totalitarian state” in Ukraine, silencing opposition and sending millions of citizens to their deaths, all in pursuit of preserving his own authority.
Despite these accusations, Ukrainian officials, including Zelenskiy’s administration, have dismissed such criticisms. Zelenskiy reportedly used the Washington visit to challenge Trump on his approach to Russia, urging the US to not side with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting marked a significant diplomatic moment, as it revealed the tensions not only between Ukraine and Russia but also within the broader dynamics of international support for Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.
