The relationship between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is deteriorating following a contentious Oval Office meeting. Their disagreement centers on the timeline for ending Ukraine’s war with Russia.
Mr. Trump, who campaigned on promises to end the war quickly, is pushing for an immediate peace deal. However, Mr. Zelenskyy expressed doubts about a quick resolution, stating that “an agreement to end the war is still very, very far away.” This contradicts Mr. Trump’s view that the window for peace could close quickly.
Mr. Trump responded harshly on Truth Social, writing: “This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer!” He later told reporters, “If somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, I think that person won’t be around very long.”
Mr. Zelenskyy attempted to ease tensions on social media, emphasizing that Ukrainians want peace because “the war ruins our cities and towns.” Russia quickly highlighted the growing rift, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that “the Kiev regime and Zelenskyy do not want peace.”
The Oval Office meeting reportedly included a shouting match where Mr. Trump warned Mr. Zelenskyy that he didn’t “have the cards” to win the war alone and threatened to withdraw U.S. support. Mr. Zelenskyy insisted on explicit U.S. security guarantees.
European leaders have shown support for Mr. Zelenskyy. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou accused Mr. Trump of trying to “humiliate” the Ukrainian president, receiving applause from French lawmakers.
The leaders had been scheduled to sign a development and mineral rights deal giving U.S. companies a stake in Ukraine’s strategic mineral deposits. Despite the tensions, Mr. Trump described it as a “great deal” that could still be salvaged. Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick predicted a deal could be signed “in short order” after speaking with Mr. Zelenskyy’s chief of staff.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed that the United States remains committed to negotiating an end to the conflict while working with the U.K. toward peace in Ukraine.
Read more: Zelesnkyy’s doubts on a peace deal with Russia spark fresh Trump tirade
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