The statements piled up on social media, offering words of encouragement to the Ukrainian leader and his people.

Russia reacted with glee on Friday to the bitter clash between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskiy in the White House, saying the Ukrainian leader got what he deserved. The acrimonious shouting match was a gift to Moscow,

World leaders' popularity often wanes over time, and Mr Paniotto says President Zelensky has not been immune. His ratings especially took a hit with Ukraine's failed counteroffensive of 2023, and his sacking a year later of the popular commander in chief of his armed forces,

An informal European summit on Sunday will seek to strengthen Kiev in potential peace negotiations for the war in Ukraine. Zelensky is already in the United States to meet with Trump and sign the agreement for the exploitation of Ukraine's rare earth lands.

During Friday morning's news conference in the Oval Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told U.S. President Donald Trump, "We don't just need a ceasefire [with Russia.] We've done that before — Putin violated it 25 times,