Photo: Jim Lo Scalzo / EPA / Scanpix / LETA
The February 28 meeting in Washington between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky turned out to be more tense than expected. US Vice President J.D. Vance also participated in the talks in the Oval Office, and the meeting ended with a serious dispute between the parties.
Minerals agreement canceled
At the beginning of the meeting, Trump and Zelensky announced that they planned to sign a mineral agreement between the two countries. Trump stressed that this agreement would be a "major commitment of the United States" and announced that American companies would begin mining in Ukraine. Zelensky, however, noted that this document would be an important step for Ukraine.
However, due to the conflicting atmosphere during the meeting, the agreement was ultimately not signed.
Zelensky: "There should be no compromise with Putin"
During the meeting, Zelensky called Russian President Vladimir Putin a "murderer and terrorist" and urged Trump to provide more assistance to Ukraine. According to him, a "ceasefire" alone is not enough, since Putin has violated such agreements 25 times.
In response, Trump said that the US had begun to develop the parameters of a peace agreement and that negotiations could end the war.
Oval Office dispute: Trump and Vance accused Zelensky of disrespect
After the meeting, a dispute broke out between Zelensky, Trump and Vice President Vance. Vance said that "Zelensky is disrespecting America and Trump" and accused him of making false statements in the Oval Office.
When Zelensky tried to protest, Trump emphasized that he was in a weak position, saying:
"You are not in a good position. You are not in a strong position right now. You are playing with the lives of millions of people. You are playing with World War III."
According to Trump, Ukraine must accept the peace agreement, otherwise the war will continue and the situation for Ukraine will become even more difficult.
Zelensky leaves the White House, joint press conference canceled
After the meeting ended, Zelensky left the White House early, and the originally planned joint press conference was canceled. According to Fox News, Trump "threw" him out of the White House after the talks due to Zelensky's disrespectful attitude.
After the meeting, Trump wrote on the Truth Social network that Zelensky was not ready for a peace deal:
"Zelensky is not ready for peace if America intervenes. He disrespected America in the Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace."
World leaders support Zelensky
Several international leaders have expressed support for Zelensky following the Washington standoff:
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk: "Dear Volodymyr Zelensky, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone."
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also expressed support for Ukraine.
Conclusion: Serious tensions have arisen in Ukraine-US relations
The dispute between Zelensky and Trump could have a serious impact on relations between Ukraine and the US. Trump and his administration are demanding that Ukraine agree to a peace deal, while Zelensky insists that the war can only be ended by defeating Russia.
How do you think the relationship between Ukraine and the USA will continue? Let us know what you think in the comments!
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