Political commentator and historian Victor Davis Hanson has sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's conduct during a recent Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump, arguing that the Ukrainian leader miscalculated his diplomatic approach at a crucial time for U.S.-Ukraine relations.
The meeting, which took place against the backdrop of renewed discussions on U.S. military aid to Ukraine, quickly turned tense, with Zelensky’s choice of attire and public disagreement with senior U.S. officials drawing scrutiny. Hanson, known for his realist foreign policy views, highlighted ten key missteps he believes weakened Zelensky’s position.
Oval Office Tensions: A Political and Diplomatic Flashpoint
The high-stakes meeting between Trump and Zelensky was meant to solidify the U.S.-Ukraine alliance, but it instead exposed widening cracks in their relationship.
One of the first points of contention was Zelensky’s attire. Instead of a formal suit, he arrived wearing a black, skintight athletic shirt, a choice that some White House officials reportedly found inappropriate for a diplomatic engagement.
Moreover, during the conversation, Zelensky publicly disagreed with Vice President JD Vance, a staunch critic of increased U.S. funding for Ukraine, leading to visible frustration among Trump’s team. The heated exchanges marked a departure from the more supportive tone Ukraine received under the previous administration.
Victor Davis Hanson's 10-Point Critique of Zelensky’s Approach
In an analysis published on Fox News, Victor Davis Hanson outlined ten reasons why Zelensky's Oval Office performance hurt his diplomatic standing.
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Misreading U.S. Politics – Hanson argues that Zelensky overestimated his support among U.S. lawmakers, failing to recognize the shifting domestic political landscape.
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Assuming Automatic U.S. Support – The historian suggests that Ukraine can no longer assume unwavering U.S. military and financial backing, especially without clear conditions.
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Misplaced Faith in Europe – Hanson points out that Europe's rhetorical support for Ukraine is not matched by increased military contributions.
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NATO Membership Misconception – While NATO expansion remains a long-term goal for Ukraine, it is not an immediate solution to the conflict.
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Lack of a Contingency Plan – Hanson questions how Ukraine plans to sustain the war if U.S. aid continues to face political roadblocks.
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Political Risks at Home – He notes that Zelensky’s popularity within Ukraine has declined, raising questions about his leadership longevity.
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Diplomatic Missteps – Hanson contrasts Zelensky’s direct approach with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s careful diplomacy, which has allowed Israel to maintain strong U.S. relations despite disagreements.
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Absence of a Clear Victory Strategy – He argues that Ukraine needs to define its endgame, rather than relying on indefinite Western aid.
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Lack of Adaptability – Hanson believes Zelensky's resistance to shifting U.S. political dynamics could alienate potential allies in Washington.
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Erosion of Global Perceptions – Hanson concludes that Zelensky no longer commands the same global sympathy he did at the beginning of the war, requiring a recalibration of his diplomatic strategy.
The Future of U.S.-Ukraine Relations
Despite the tense meeting, U.S. officials did not indicate an immediate shift in policy regarding Ukraine. However, Trump’s team remains deeply skeptical about providing additional aid without strict oversight.
Meanwhile, European nations may face greater pressure to step up their contributions, particularly if the U.S. reduces its financial commitment in the coming months.
For Ukraine, the challenge moving forward is not just military but diplomatic. How Zelensky navigates this changing political environment—both in Washington and in Europe—could determine the long-term strength of Ukraine’s alliances.