Russia expressed delight on Friday at the heated exchange between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, claiming the Ukrainian leader received his just deserts. This sharp back-and-forth was a gift for Moscow, as it seeks to build ties with Trump's new administration while discrediting and undermining Zelenskyy's legitimacy.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev stated that Zelenskyy received 'a strong slap,' as Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused him of disrespecting the United States.
'Biting the Hand That Feeds...'
Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, posted on Telegram that there was a 'brutal beating in the Oval Office.' Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, commented it was a miracle Trump and Vance restrained themselves during the debate aired worldwide. She mentioned that Zelenskyy was biting the hand that fed him.
Russia has consistently portrayed Zelenskyy as an unstable, self-absorbed American puppet. Zelenskyy has dismissed this portrayal, stating his every effort is to shield his country from Russia, assisted by Ukraine's allies.
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'A Dictator Without Elections...'
The swift rapprochement between Moscow and Washington has caused concern among Ukraine and its European allies, who fear a Trump-Putin deal could marginalize them and weaken their security.
Putin has repeatedly claimed Zelenskyy is not a legitimate leader as his five-year term ended last year. Ukraine has been unable to hold elections due to martial law since the war erupted in February 2022. Last week Trump echoed Putin's statement, calling Zelenskyy 'a dictator without elections.'
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The confrontation between Trump and Zelenskyy at the White House has left the Ukrainian leader more exposed than ever in the three-year-long conflict, during which his country heavily relied on aid and arms delivered by former US President Joe Biden's administration.
Former Kremlin advisor Sergei Markov suggested that the Oval Office confrontation might hasten the end of Zelenskyy's political journey. Some Russian officials have been eager for this, perceiving it would be easier to negotiate peace with someone else.
Deputy Chairman of Russia's Upper House of Parliament, Konstantin Kosachyov, remarked that the aftermath of the confrontation has revealed Zelenskyy's true colors and established his recognition.
