1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

The recent Oval Office meeting between President Trump, J.D. Vance, and President Zelensky was a disappointing display of disrespect and hostility towards a critical ally in the fight against Russian aggression. Failing to maintain diplomatic decorum and baselessly criticizing President Zelensky's attire is unbecoming of American leadership on the world stage. Ukraine has sacrificed immensely defending its sovereignty, and questioning their commitment to peace while accepting Russian disinformation is misguided. We must reaffirm our steadfast support for Ukraine against unprovoked invasion and violations of international law. Pursuing a unilateral ceasefire that cedes territory to Russia would only embolden further aggression and erosion of the rules-based international order. American strength is derived from our principles and loyalty to democratic partners, not coddling authoritarians. I urge a course correction to robustly back Ukraine's self-defense and undertake serious diplomacy to end this war through a just, negotiated settlement that respects Ukraine's territorial integrity.