LASTE UPDATE: 21:10
The high-stakes meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House unfolded in an extremely tense atmosphere, marked by heated exchanges between the two leaders.
“You have to be thankful,” Trump said angrily to Zelensky. “You are gambling with World War Three.” The U.S. president, visibly irritated, pressed his Ukrainian counterpart, warning: “Make a deal or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out,” Trump continued his criticism, emphasizing the level of U.S. support for Ukraine: “What you’re doing is disrespectful to the country – this country that’s backed you far more than a lot of people said they should have.”
Trump says Zelensky is ‘not ready for peace’
Trump posted on Turth social: “We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. 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.”
Media restrictions
Amid the tense discussions, U.S. presidency officials removed a reporter from the Russian TASS news agency after being informed that Russian state media was not on the approved press list for the Trump-Zelensky meeting, a White House official confirmed.
Zelensky: There should be “no compromises” with Putin
U.S. President Donald Trump, welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House earlier, and announced that a “very fair agreement” on Ukrainian minerals would soon be signed. He also suggested that a ceasefire in Ukraine is logically close.
Zelensky emphasized that the upcoming agreement would mark a significant step forward for Ukraine.
As part of their discussions, Trump and Zelensky are expected to sign a framework agreement on the exploitation of Ukraine’s mineral resources and explore potential security guarantees for Ukraine following the war with Russia.
Trump also revealed that he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reiterating his ongoing efforts—alongside Zelensky—to negotiate a settlement to end the conflict.
Addressing the Ukrainian leader directly, Trump stated that he believes Ukraine must be willing to make “compromises” in pursuit of peace.
However, Zelensky said there should be “no compromises” with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the negotiation of a peace deal.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
