Shameful display in the White House

President Trump has shown himself to be a “useful idiot” for Putin. He has humiliated the United States on the world stage. Zelenskyy is a real leader, and the rest of the world knows it. Trump is an extortionist and a gangster. He doesn’t care for us.

He is attacking everything that makes America a beacon for the world.

— John McDonald, Riverside

Europe and Zelenskyy deserve each other

Re “British PM steps up for Ukraine” (March 3);

In the aftermath of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s fortuitous meeting in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump and VP JD Vance, part of the more immediate fallout seems to be a European embrace of Ukraine, its “cause” and its president. I say, “good for them ... they deserve each other.”

Useless schmucks, the lot of them. As if any European country (or combination of countries) has the resolve, or even the resources, to support Ukraine against Russia in any way whatsoever (outside of mere lip service).

The EU is in no more of a position to call any shots in this matter than Ukraine itself, and if I was Trump, I’d just sit there with my arms folded and wait them out ... wait out this pathetic schmooze fest. As for Russia, I’d shove them all down Russia’s throat in one swallow. You want them so bad? Here, choke on them.

— Arthur Saginian, Santa Clarita

Trump/Vance/Zelenskyy meeting Oval Office

Re “Heated Zelenskyy talk finishes with no deal” (Mar. 1):

Hooyah President Trump! It should be clear now that we have a president that is America first.

And after we have been used over and over again, it is finally wonderful to have a president that commands respect not only from the rest of the world but also gives a master’s class to those in our government who haven’t a clue how to go about being a effective leader for the American people.

His deal for Ukraine is genius. Everyone wins. There would be a cease fire and an end to the death of hundreds of thousands of people and an entryway to achieve an economic recovery for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy’s ego should not come before Ukrainians. Pride comes before a fall. Save Ukraine, resign President Zelenskyy.

— Tom Hersh, Newport Beach