Backlash after brutal comment no one was supposed to hear at Trump and Zelensky meeting

At a recent high-stakes summit, European leaders sat down with both Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky to reinforce their support for Kyiv, even as Trump continued to accuse Zelensky of “gambling with World War III.”

The meeting was unusual because it brought together two parallel tracks of diplomacy. Earlier, Trump had held discussions with Vladimir Putin, exploring possible terms to halt Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Soon after, European allies including leaders from the UK, France, Finland, Germany, and Italy met with Zelensky to offer backing. Also present were NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Trump tried to strike a reassuring note, saying:

“When it comes to security, there’s going to be a lot of help. They are a first line of defence because they’re there, but we’ll help them out.”

Observers suggested that the Europeans were especially eager to avoid a repeat of the February fallout, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance blindsided Zelensky with accusations of reckless escalation.

But the summit produced another headline: an unguarded hot-mic moment. As journalists were ushered out, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni thanked Trump for being “so fair” with the press apparently unaware that her words were still being recorded. Finland’s Alexander Stubb then questioned the daily media routine, and Meloni, with a hint of humor, remarked: “But he loves it, he loves it,” before admitting, “He does it always, I never want to speak with my press.”

Trump brushed off the exchange and pivoted the conversation toward golf, praising Stubb’s skills. Cameras later caught Meloni laughing with Trump and then rolling her eyes moments after, a clip that quickly circulated online.

Meloni’s domestic approval rating currently sits around 42%, with her party polling above 27%. Supporters credit her with pragmatism, while critics describe her leadership as edging toward “autocracy-light.”

The summit itself ended with a surprise diplomatic gesture. Trump phoned Putin to relay the agreed conditions and announced that Russia would accept certain security guarantees for Ukraine. He added:

“I think that the European nations are going to take a lot of the burden. We’re going to help them, and we’re going to make it very secure.”

Trump also revealed plans for a three-way summit involving himself, Putin, and Zelensky, at a location still to be determined.