Republicans troubled by Zelensky-Trump meeting as Democrats decry ‘planned ambush’

Vulnerable Republicans are expressing disappointment with the breakdown in talks between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and argued that the volatile White House meeting only benefited Russia.

“As someone who fundamentally believes that Russia, China and Iran are not our friends or allies and continues to believe it is important to support Ukraine, it was extremely short-sighted to engage in that type of exchange in front of the US and international press as you work towards an agreement,” Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) wrote on X. “Sadly, the only winner of today is Vladimir Putin.”