Trump-Zelensky oval office clash a 'dark day' for alliance, Expert says: Video
A heated Oval Office exchange between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has drawn sharp criticism from foreign policy experts, raising concerns about the future of NATO.
The meeting, intended to showcase unity, devolved into a public dispute, with Zelensky expressing distrust toward Russia's intentions and Trump, supported by Vice President JD Vance, adopting an aggressive stance. This altercation has cast doubt on the prospects of a fair peace in Ukraine and has seemingly bolstered Russian President Vladimir Putin's position in ongoing peace negotiations.
Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, described the meeting as "the worst public Oval Office meeting that I have ever witnessed." He called it a "dark day for the transatlantic alliance," warning that it could jeopardize NATO’s stability and Ukraine’s future.
"I think it's the worst public Oval Office meeting that I have ever witnessed or can ever remember. I think it's a dark day for the transatlantic alliance, and the transatlantic alliance may not recover. I think it's in some ways very much about Ukraine. So it obviously really puts the future of Ukraine, I think, in doubt, but also puts the future of the NATO alliance in doubt," he told the AFP.
Bergmann accused Trump and his ally, JD Vance, of adopting a confrontational stance, adding that the transatlantic alliance "may not recover" from the fallout. The tense exchange has further fueled geopolitical uncertainty as Ukraine continues to resist Russian aggression.
