Trump and Zelensky clash over security guarantees in talks
- You've got to be more thankful, - said Donald Trump to Volodymyr Zelensky. During the meeting in the Oval Office, tensions arose, and the American leader raised his voice at the President of Ukraine.
On Friday, Donald Trump is hosting Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.
As the American leader announced earlier and the President of Ukraine confirmed, the goal is to sign an agreement on mineral extraction.
However, the Ukrainian side has repeatedly emphasized that it will only sign if it receives security guarantees from the American side.
Argument over guarantees?
According to media reporting on the meeting in the Oval Office, a confrontation between the politicians occurred over Zelensky's comments on the necessity of ensuring security guarantees for Ukraine and actively involving Kyiv in the negotiation process.
- You don't have the cards in your hands, you should be grateful to us. You can't tell us I want this, I want that - Trump said to Zelensky.
The American leader pointed out that Ukraine does not have enough soldiers.
- People are dying ... you're running low on soldiers - Trump thundered.
- You have NO right to dictate what we should feel. You are gambling with World War III. I have empowered you do be a tough guy, you either make a deal or we're out. You don't have the cards - Trump continued.
