During this week’s NATO Summit in The Hague, Netherlands, former President Donald Trump had a tense yet emotional exchange with a Ukrainian journalist that has since gone viral and ignited a wave of debate online.
The summit, attended by 32 world leaders, covered major global issues including defense spending, tariffs, and the wars in both the Middle East and Ukraine.
Among the attending press was Myroslava Petsa, a BBC Ukraine correspondent. She approached Trump during a media session and asked whether the United States would supply Ukraine with more Patriot missile systems, noting that Russia’s attacks on Ukraine had intensified.
Before answering, Trump interrupted to ask Petsa, “Are you living, yourself, now in Ukraine?”
Petsa responded that her husband was serving in Ukraine while she and their children were living in Warsaw for safety. “Because he wanted me to,” she added.
When Trump confirmed that her husband is an active soldier, he replied:
“Wow, that’s rough stuff, right? That’s tough.”
Seemingly moved, Trump acknowledged Ukraine’s request for U.S. military support and said, “We’re going to see if we can make some available,” but warned the systems are in high demand.
“They’re very hard to get. We need them too. We were supplying them to Israel, and they’re very effective — 100% effective. Hard to believe how effective.”
Trump continued, emphasizing that Ukraine has prioritized Patriot missiles over other types of aid.
The U.S. has provided Israel with extensive military and diplomatic backing since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Trump has remained strongly aligned with Israel’s interests, including endorsing recent Israeli missile strikes on Iran and launching U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities just days earlier.
Back at the summit, Trump praised Petsa’s question, calling it “very good,” and closed with a personal message:
“I wish you a lot of luck. I can see it’s very upsetting to you. Say hello to your husband, OK? Thank you.”
A Divisive Response
Video clips of the moment quickly spread on social media, dividing opinion. Supporters praised Trump for what they saw as a respectful and human exchange.
“God Bless President Trump for asking after the Ukrainian journalist’s husband and showing genuine concern,” one user wrote.
Another added, “Between this and the Ukraine reporter, I think Trump finally got his heart from the Wizard of Oz.”
Some felt it showed a rare sincere side of Trump:
“It felt like a real moment. Her husband is on the frontlines, and Trump acknowledged her pain.”
However, critics were less convinced. Some viewers found Trump’s phrasing callous or performative.
“Donald Trump lacks a soul. Listen to his tone with the Ukrainian reporter,” one person wrote.
Another added, “What a disgusting nothing,” while someone else noted, “Trump said he could end the Ukraine war in a day — we all knew that was a lie. At least this journalist held him accountable.”
The moment, though brief, has reignited discussion about Trump’s foreign policy approach and the tone he strikes with reporters during global crises. Whether viewed as compassionate or calculating, the exchange has once again placed Trump at the center of public and political scrutiny.
