WASHINGTON DC: A White House meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy aimed at securing a deal that would allow the U.S. access to Ukrainian rare mineral rights turned into a heated exchange with the two leaders talking over each other and Trump telling Zelenskyy, “You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out.”
In a statement on social media after the meeting, Trump indicated the proposed deal is off.
“I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations,” Trump wrote.
“He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
The heated exchange, witnessed by dozens of American and Ukrainian reporters in the Oval Office, took a combative tone about 40 minutes into the meeting when Zelenskyy raised Russia’s 2014 invasion of Crimea.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance immediately criticized Zelenskyy, accusing him of engaging in a “propaganda tour.”
“I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media,” he told Zelenskyy.
Both Vance and Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of not being thankful for the assistance his country has received from Washington.
“You don’t have the cards right now,” Trump said, raising his voice as Zelenskyy tried to rebut him. “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III.”
Zelenskyy left the White House early, and a scheduled joint press conference was canceled.
Zelenskyy response
Despite the abrupt end to the meeting, the Ukrainian leader took to social media to address the American public and U.S. leadership.
“Thank you America,” Zelenskyy posted on the X social media platform. “Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
(VOA)
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