Trump's Oval Office thrashing of Zelenskyy shows limits of Western allies' ability to sway US leader

President Donald Trump’s Oval Office thrashing of Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy has laid bare the limits of a full-court press by America’s allies aimed at reshaping Trump’s determination to end Russia’s invasion even if the terms are not to Ukraine’s liking. It also shows the profound ways Trump feels emboldened to redirect U.S. foreign policy priorities toward his “America First” agenda in ways that extend well beyond those of his tumultuous first term. The episode has left in doubt the future of the U.S.-Ukraine relationship, and Kyiv’s ability to defend itself in the brutal conflict with Russia.