Tensions rise as Trump dismisses Zelensky over negotiations
After a turbulent exchange between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, the U.S. president decided to end the talks. According to sources from the White House, Trump concluded that Zelensky was "not in a place to negotiate" and instructed him to leave the White House, refusing further meetings. The Ukrainian delegation, despite wanting to continue discussions, was sent away without a joint lunch or further negotiations.
After a heated exchange between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, the U.S. president decided to end the meeting. According to information provided by journalist Kaitlan Collins of CNN, after the talks concluded, Trump immediately gathered his key advisers, including Senator J.D. Vance, Senator Marco Rubio, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, to discuss further actions towards Zelensky.
As reported by a White House source, Trump determined that the president of Ukraine was "not in a place to negotiate," which prompted him to end the talks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz were instructed to inform Zelensky that he must leave the White House.
The Ukrainian delegation, according to procedures, was in a separate room where they usually wait for the next rounds of talks and a joint diplomatic luncheon. However, this time, no further meetings took place. According to Collins, the meal prepared for the Ukrainian guests remained untouched, sitting on carts in the hallway as Zelensky and his delegation were given clear instructions to leave the White House.
A source in the U.S. administration claims that the Ukrainian side wanted to continue negotiations; however, they were met with refusal.
As a result, President Zelensky and his team left the White House shortly after the issued order. The entire situation highlights the growing tensions in relations between Washington and Kyiv and suggests a change in the Trump administration's approach to further support for Ukraine.
Let's recall: the main purpose of President Zelensky's visit to Washington was to sign a framework agreement on mineral resources with the U.S. This agreement aimed to jointly develop Ukraine's mineral deposits, such as rare earth metals, which would benefit both sides. For Ukraine, it would mean financial support for the country's reconstruction and strengthening the economy, whereas for the U.S., it meant securing access to key resources and reducing dependency on other suppliers such as China.
During today's meeting in the Oval Office, there was a sharp exchange of words between Presidents Trump and Zelensky. The U.S. president accused his Ukrainian counterpart of disrespect and being unprepared for peace negotiations, leading to the premature end of talks and the cancellation of the planned press conference. As a result, the mineral resources agreement was not signed, and the future of cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine remains uncertain.
