A meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky devolved into a shouting match at the Oval Office, with the US president berating Ukraine's leader and Vice President JD Vance questioning whether Zelensky had demonstrated enough gratitude for US support.
The meeting concluded with Zelensky leaving the White House early, officials confirmed.
Since then a number of leaders have expressed their support for Ukraine, including Christopher Luxon.
"New Zealand remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine as it defends itself in a war that Russia started," he wrote on X.
"It's mounting the defence of a proud, democratic, sovereign nation, but also the defence of international law."
The Prime Minister said the best route to peace was for Russia to cease its three-year long illegal and immoral war of aggression.
Everyone wanted the US and Ukraine working together towards the shared objective of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, Luxon said.
New Zealand remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine as it defends itself in a war that Russia started.
— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) March 1, 2025
It's mounting the defence of a proud, democratic and sovereign nation, but also the defence of international law.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said the meeting between Trump and Zelensky showed things were "volatile" at the moment.
"I really felt for Zelensky, President Zelensky, I've met him, I think he's actually a very patient man, he's a very resolved man, and I have huge sympathy for the situation that he finds himself in.
"I think he's led Ukraine with exceptional leadership over the last couple of years and I think the world community should continue to support Ukraine."
US Democratic House of Representatives leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
He said the meeting was appalling and had embarrassed America on the world stage.
Before the blow-up, Trump had said he and Zelensky would be signing a natural resources agreement, however, a source told CNN that did not happen.
After the chaotic meeting, Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social and said Ukraine's president was "not ready for Peace if America is involved".
"I have determined that President Zelensky is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don't want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace," Trump wrote said.
Zelensky later appeared on Fox News, where he said his relationship with the US could still be repaired.
US-Ukrainian ties were about "more than two presidents", he said.
Zelensky also admitted that Ukraine badly needed Washington's help in the fight against Russia's far bigger and better-armed military.
See how the day unfolded with RNZ's live blog:
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