US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky meeting in the Oval Office of the White House. Photo: AFP / SAUL LOEB
A Ukrainian living in New Zealand was shocked as she watched the disastrous Oval Office meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky unfold.
The meeting, which took place at the White House on Saturday, quickly became fractious as the US President and Vice-President JD Vance berated Ukraine's President for his lack of deference.
Following the heated discussion in front of the world's media, Zelenksy cut short his visit, leaving ahead of a scheduled joint press conference and without signing a minerals agreement with the US.
Olga Dubnytska was born in Ukraine and now works as a Palmerston North GP.
She said she "felt for" Zelensky during the fraught meeting, especially as he was working in his second language.
She thought Trump and Vance had "taken advantage" of the language barrier by "rudely interrupting" and "humiliating" Zelensky.
Dubnytska was also frustrated at some of the figures Trump used when discussing US support for Ukraine.
"He either exaggerated or just made it up - that's just how Trump goes... just because he's the president."
Dubnytska was pleased to see the many statements from global leaders supporting Zelensky in the aftermath of the meeting.
Ending the war would benefit the world, not just the Ukraine, she said.
"Putin's not going to stop just invading Ukraine and taking over, destroying everything in his way. It will never stop with one border once he has occupied any Ukrainian land - he will move further into Europe."
She had yet to hear what her family back in Ukraine thought of the Oval Office exchange.
"I'm sure they're all devastated, but they're all supporting our president. He's one of us ... and he's doing his best."
The Ukrainian community here continued to pray for peace, and provide financial and emotional support for their families back home in whatever ways they could, she said.
"Being far away in New Zealand we're just observers, trying to do as much as we can."
While she tried to remain positive, she felt like she was losing hope as the US aligned itself with Russia.
Ukraine was a small country facing off against two of the world's most powerful countries, she said, it felt as if it was "set up for failure in advance."
But she said Ukrainians would "die before they capitulate," despite the terrible toll the war was taking.
A firefighter responds to a fire caused by a Russian missile attack in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine, on May 10, 2024. Photo: AFP / Nur Photo
An entire generation was being wiped out, leaving only older people and little children, Dubnytska said.
Many of those dying on the front lines "are kids - they're 17, 18, 19 years old".
"What are people dying for? Because somebody like Trump and Putin decided to prove they are powerful people?
"Not even thinking about how many people are dying from the Ukrainian and Russian sides. It just doesn't make any sense."
On Sunday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reiterated New Zealand's support for Ukraine.
Luxon said he was aware of the "robust exchange", but New Zealand "remained steadfast in its support for Ukraine as it defends itself in a war that Russia started".
"[The Ukraine is] mounting the defence of a proud, democratic, sovereign nation, but also the defence of international law," the prime minister said.
Opposition leader Chris Hipkins said the meeting showed how volatile global politics were at present, and he felt for Zelensky.
"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."
Hipkins said he didn't believe Zelensky was being disrespectful.
New Zealand should remain committed to an international system of rules and Russia's invasion violated those rules, Hipkins told reporters at Te Matatini.
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