Two Republican politicians back Zelenskyy in clash with Trump

US Senator John Curtis, a Republican from Utah, has broken ranks with his party by refusing to support President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance in their heated dispute with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy .

According to Report, citing RBC, Curtis expressed his support for Ukraine following the tense exchange that took place in the White House.

“Diplomacy and statesmanship seem to have been left at the door of the Oval Office today. Ukraine is an ally in the pursuit of free markets, free speech, and free people—Western values that align with our own. […] I hope our nations can return to the negotiating table and work toward a fair and lasting peace,” Curtis wrote on social media platform X.

Another Republican, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, also voiced support for Ukraine, calling the White House meeting between US and Ukrainian officials “heart-wrenching.”

“A strong, sovereign Ukraine is crucial for global stability in the face of ongoing aggression. […] A lasting peace can only be achieved through unwavering strength,” Fitzpatrick stated.

The Oval Office meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy on February 28, 2025, ended in a fiery exchange. The discussions were expected to conclude with the signing of a joint mineral extraction deal, which the Trump administration framed as compensation for US military aid to Ukraine.

However, tensions flared over how to approach negotiations with Russia. Trump and Vice President Vance accused Zelenskyy of disrespecting the US position, leading the Ukrainian leader to leave the White House early—without signing the agreement or holding a press conference.