Vladimir Putin's close ally and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev celebrated the descent into chaos of a meeting between the Ukrainian and US presidents at the White House today.
Taking to X, Medvedev attacked Volodymyr Zelensky with an offensive remark, writing: "The insolent pig finally got a proper slap down in the Oval Office. And @realDonaldTrump is right: The Kiev regime is "gambling with WWIII."
His insult came after US President Donald Trump and his Vice President JD Vance berated Ukraine's leader in an extraordinary meeting at the White House.
Mr Zelensky and his delegation were told to leave the White House early after the fractious meeting with Mr Trump in the Oval Office, according to a White House official who was not authorised to speak publicly.
Ukraine's leader left the White House without signing a critical minerals deal Mr Trump had demanded in exchange for future US support.
A White House official said after the meeting that Mr Zelensky can return when he is ready to talk about peace.
Vice President Vance accused Mr Zelensky of being "disrespectful" towards Mr Trump, leading the leader of Ukraine to attempt to defend himself.
At that point Mr Trump shouted at his Ukrainian counterpart, telling him he was gambling with the lives of millions of people.
Mr Trump said: "You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that’s backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have."
He went on to tell Mr Zelensky Ukraine would not be able to win the war with Russia and he didn't hold the cards.
After the meeting, Mr Zelensky took to X where he thanked the US. He posted: "Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit.
"Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that".
Journalists on Russian state television appeared shocked by the breakdown in diplomacy between Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky but were pleased with Mr Trump’s comments.
Russian state news anchor Alexander Kareevsky said on evening broadcasts that the meeting "stopped observing the limits of decency" and will "probably go down in history". He added nothing like it has been seen in diplomatic history.
A correspondent for the Russia 24 state news channel said after the meeting that it was clear there can be no talk of any deliveries or further weapons to Ukraine and Mr Zelensky was leaving the US with nothing.
Republican senators voiced clear support for Mr Trump soon after the meeting, including Florida Senator Rick Scott, Kansas Senator Roger Marshall, Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt and Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno.
Tesla owner Elon Musk posted on X: "Zelenskyy destroyed himself in the eyes of the American people".
Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar addressed Mr Vance on social media: "Answer to Vance: Zelensky has thanked our country over and over again both privately and publicly.
"And our country thanks HIM and the Ukrainian patriots who have stood up to a dictator, buried their own and stopped Putin from marching right into the rest of Europe. Shame on you".
Senator Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, posted on X: "What an utter embarrassment for America. This whole sad scene".
While Mr Zelensky may fear he has lost the support of the US, leaders in Europe have rallied around the Ukrainian leader.
Emmanuel Macron said: "There is one aggressor: Russia. There is a people under attack: Ukraine. We were right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago, and we continue to do so. Together with the Americans, Europeans, Canadians, Japanese, and many others."
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, added: "Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You will never be alone, dear President @ZelenskyyUa. We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace."
Ukrainian leaders backed the country's leader, with Serhii Lysak, head of Ukraine’s eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, posting on social media: "In the fight for the fate of the country — fundamentally unshakable.
"Unquestioning support for Volodymyr Zelensky. Endurance to our leader. We believe in the President! We believe in Ukraine".
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk vowed to stand by Ukraine after the Oval Office meeting. He posted on X: "Dear @ZelenskyyUa, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone".
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