By 
The US president told his Ukrainian colleague to strike a deal with Russia “or we are out” during a heated debate with Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.
The pair continuously interrupted each other in front of the media during what was supposed to be a prelude to the two leaders signing a minerals deal. After relations first became strained over Trump’s handling of Ukraine peace talks with Russia, the minerals agreement was supposed to be a stepping stone towards further security ties between the countries.
By Gamuchirai Mapako
However, Zelensky was told by the Americans to leave before the deal could be signed.
At one point, Trump told Zelensky he was not grateful enough for support from the US military.
“You are gambling with World War Three”, said Trump.The meeting to discuss the US-Ukraine deal, which involved access to Ukrainian oil, gas and rare minerals, came after the new US president appeared to blame Zelensky for the war and chided him for not starting peace talks with Russia earlier.
Zelensky had earlier argued there should be “no compromises” with Russian President Vladimir Putin – but Trump said Kyiv would have to make concessions to reach a peace deal with Russia.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and currently controls around 20% of Ukrainian territory.
The vice-president of the US went on to accused Zelensky of being disrespectful and “litigating” the situation in front of the media. Trump took to Truth Social, the social media platform he owns, to say “Zelensky disrespected the US in its cherished Oval Office”.
“I have determined that President Zelensky is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations,” the Republican president continued. “I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE.”
Zelensky also posted on social media, thanking the president and the US four times. In a later interview with Fox News, Zelensky said the public spat “was not good” – but the relationship between him and Trump could be saved.
“Because the relations are more than just two presidents,” he said, adding that it was also about “strong relations between our two people.”
Reaction to the White House meeting among US politicians appeared to fall along partisan lines, with Republicans praising Trump and Democrats criticising him.
Comments