Trump accuses Zelensky of “gambling with World War III”
A conversation between US president Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House on Friday has degenerated into an open argument. Trump accused Zelensky of “gambling with a Third World War”. Zelensky left the White House soon after the argument.
Zelensky seemed very irritated during the conversation. He said the minerals deal for which he had come to the White House was “not enough”. The Ukrainian president wants the US to provide military security guarantees, such as for an international peacekeeping force in Ukraine.
Trump claimed that Zelensky had “put himself in a very bad position” and “does not hold the cards”. According to the US president, it will be “very difficult” to negotiate with his Ukrainian counterpart. “Either you make a deal or we drop you,” Trump threatened, warning that Zelensky will have to compromise with the Russians.
Trump also reported that he had recently had “several calls” with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. US vice-president JD Vance, in turn, blamed Zelensky for disrespecting Americans.
“Zelensky is not ready for peace,” Trump posted on Truth Social after the meeting. “It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that president Zelensky is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations,” Trump continued. “I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace.”
US president Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House © BELGA PHOTO SAUL LOEB / AFP
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