Zelensky walks out of talks after heated exchange, Trump’s comments spark controversy
President Trump raised concerns about the US aid to Ukraine, claiming that attempts were being made to provoke a third world war.
KATHMANDU: A highly charged meeting took place between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, with Vice President JD Vance also present.
What began as a formal greeting quickly turned into a heated exchange between the two leaders, with accusations and counter-accusations dominating the conversation.
President Trump raised concerns about the US aid to Ukraine, claiming that attempts were being made to provoke a third world war.
He further claimed that the war between Ukraine and Russia could end within two weeks if the US stopped providing assistance, intensifying the already tense atmosphere of the meeting.
Disagreeing with Trump’s accusations, President Zelensky emphasized the vital partnership between the US and Ukraine for the latter’s security, stressing that American support should continue.
However, things took a dramatic turn when Trump used harsh language, urging Zelensky to leave the White House. Zelensky, visibly upset, left the meeting abruptly.
The unexpected end to the talks has triggered a wide range of reactions from both the White House and the international community. Zelensky expressed gratitude for the support the US had provided Ukraine, asserting that US-Ukraine relations transcended personal ties between leaders.
The fallout from this altercation appears to be affecting US-Ukraine relations, with European Union diplomats viewing the incident seriously. NATO’s Secretary-General has stressed the importance of continuing support for Ukraine.
This confrontation could also have direct implications on the proposed mineral agreement between the two nations. While initial talks had been promising, the deal has now been put on hold.
In response to the incident, President Trump criticized Zelensky on his social media platform, Truth Social, accusing him of insulting American citizens. Trump’s supporters have rallied behind his remarks, while his opponents have labeled the incident a diplomatic failure.
Ukrainian officials have denied Trump’s accusations, reiterating that Ukraine continues to fight for democracy and sovereignty.
Analysts suggest that without continued US support, Ukraine’s security could be severely compromised. It is also anticipated that Ukraine will strengthen ties with other international partners moving forward.
This event is likely to impact the upcoming US presidential elections, with Trump’s diplomatic style and stance on Ukraine becoming a key topic of debate in the electoral discourse.
