‘Comparable to first days of war’: Fresno professors react to Zelenskyy meeting

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Peace talks between President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskyy turned sour in the Oval Office Friday.

The agreement between the United States and Ukraine to mine rare minerals was left unsigned. The leaders met for about 50 minutes; the first 40 minutes were cordial, but the final 10 minutes has a local Ukrainian professor reliving her darkest days.

Nataliia Kasianenko is a Political Science Professor at Fresno State. She immigrated from Ukraine 12 years ago. She is worried about her homeland after talks between Trump and Zelenskyy went sideways.

“Now is comparable to those first days of the war,” Kasianenko said. “As a native of Ukraine, I’m feeling angry because the United States is supposed to be our ally.”

Trump and Zelenskyy were supposed to sign an agreement allowing the U.S. to mine rare minerals in Ukraine in exchange for brokering a peace deal with Russia. In a breathtaking moment in the Oval Office, Zelenskyy backtracked, calling for security guarantees for his country.

“Very happy that President Zelenskyy is basically staying firm and not taking any deal that is just forced upon Ukraine,” Professor Kasianenko said.

Professor Kasianenko hoped Ukraine and the U.S. could reach a deal. Instead, a war of words unfolded. Political Science Professor Tom Holyoke said Friday’s meeting was unprecedented.

“I kind of came away with the impression that, you know, Trump and Vance intended to attack Zelenskyy at some point during the meeting. I’ve never seen anything quite like that,” Professor Tom Holyoke said.

Congressman Jim Costa, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, also reacted to the meeting.

“It looked like a setup to me. And I’m very, very saddened and disappointed because a majority of Republicans and Democrats three years ago when Russia invaded Ukraine said very clearly, this is about good and evil,” Congressman Costa said.

President Zelenskyy went on FOX News after the heated meeting. He said he doesn’t believe he owes President Trump an apology, but he regrets how their conversation devolved. Now, Professor Holyoke said he has little confidence any deal gets done.

“At this point there’s a definite, complete breakdown in relations between the United States and Ukraine,” Professor Holyoke said.

But, President Trump still has support.

“Somebody asked me, am I embarrassed about Trump? I have never been more proud of the president,” Republican U.S. Senator Lindsay Graham said.

President Trump posted on social media following his meeting with Zelenskyy in part, “He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace.”