On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly terminated a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, declaring that Zelensky is “not ready” for discussions regarding peace with Russia. This unexpected clash in the Oval Office raised worries about the likelihood of a potential ceasefire.
Zelensky visited Washington to finalize a deal for the cooperative development of Ukraine’s mineral resources, a crucial element for post-war recovery efforts as part of a U.S.-driven peace initiative. However, the meeting quickly escalated into tense exchanges, during which Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky for not sufficiently demonstrating gratitude for American support amidst Ukraine’s ongoing conflict against the Russian invasion.
Trump rebuked Zelensky, encouraging him to exhibit more appreciation, claiming that without U.S. aid, Ukraine could have been overrun by Russian troops. He cautioned, “You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out,” stressing the severe repercussions of U.S. withdrawal from the situation. Zelensky exited the meeting without holding a planned joint press conference, and the intended resources deal was not finalized.
The tumultuous interaction represented a notable decline in the already strained relationship between Zelensky and Trump. Before the emotional confrontation, Zelensky had conveyed optimism, stating, “I think President Trump is on our side.”
The consequences of this meeting create uncertainty around Trump’s attempts to present himself as a mediator in the conflict. The situation is further complicated by the visits of leaders from France and Britain to the White House this week, who sought to convince Trump to sustain strong U.S. support for Ukraine amid ongoing truce negotiations.
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Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured Zelensky after the meeting that Ukraine has backing and is not alone. The sudden shift in U.S. policy under Trump, which seems to contradict earlier robust support for Ukraine, has raised alarms among Kyiv and its European allies. Trump has stated that he discussed the situation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and suggested that a truce may be “fairly close.”
Despite previously expressing admiration for Putin and describing Zelensky as a “dictator,” Trump has recently shown a more collaborative approach towards Zelensky. This unpredictable stance has drawn criticism from Senate Democrats, who claim that Trump and Vance are undermining democratic principles as Russia escalates its military actions in Ukraine. Reports indicate that Russian troops are advancing at the Ukrainian border from the Kursk region amid rising tensions in the area.
