Summary of complaint
We received complaints from people who felt our coverage of the exchanges between President Zelensky, President Trump and Vice-President Vance in the Oval Office was biased against President Zelensky.
Our response
The tension which erupted between Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky and Vice-President JD Vance during a press conference in the Oval Office resulted in extraordinary scenes, between supposed allies, playing out in public; our coverage made clear the unprecedented nature of what took place.聽聽 We reported the manner in which the meeting descended into open disagreement and broadcast this exchange so that our audience could see and hear for themselves how this situation unfolded.聽
We reflected the international response to this incident, including the many messages of support President Zelensky received from leaders across Europe, and the subsequent positions set out by President Zelensky and President Trump.聽 We also heard the reaction of people in Ukraine.聽
In examining what had led to this situation we detailed the change of approach from the United States towards the Ukraine war under the new administration and the reasons for this, and the rhetoric that had been used by President Trump and President Zelensky in recent weeks.聽 We also fact-checked statements made by President Trump and JD Vance, in relation to the war and President Zelensky, both during this press conference and beforehand.
Prior to President Zelensky鈥檚 visit to the White House, this meeting had been seen as being crucial in regard to Ukraine鈥檚 attempt to gain security guarantees from the US.聽 It was appropriate that our reporting examined the fallout following Zelensky鈥檚 visit and how he handled the diplomacy.
Throughout our reporting we have explained the context of the Ukraine war, that Russia illegally invaded Ukraine, and the actions taken by Russia, Ukraine, and their respective leaders.
We offered analysis of the potential consequences of this incident for the Ukraine war, NATO, and wider global political and diplomatic relations.聽 As we have already seen, there have been implications, including the US pause on military aid to Ukraine.聽 This is fast-developing story, which we will continue to follow closely, offering duly impartial coverage.