U.S. President Donald Trump talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the White House in Washington (Reuters)
Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting Live Updates: A day after a shouting match between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an Oval office meeting, NATO chief Mark Rutte said that it was important that the latter find a way to restore “his relationship with the American President and with the senior American leadership team”, Reuters quoted the BBC as reporting. Earlier today, Russia reacted to the verbal spat at the White House, calling Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington “a complete political and diplomatic failure”. Earlier today, Zelenskyy had said that it is “very important” that Ukraine be heard, and not forgotten, news agency Reuters reported. “It is important for people in Ukraine to know that they are not alone, that their interests are represented in every country, in every corner of the world,” Zelesnkyy said. The relations between both the countries hit a new low Friday, after Zelenskyy’s meeting with Trump and US Vice-President J D Vance turned into a heated argument.
During the diplomatic meeting expected to finalise a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, Trump pressured Zelenskyy to accept a ceasefire and accused him of stalling negotiations. Standing firm on his stance, Zelenskyy said Ukraine cannot change attitude towards Russia on a dime and added the spat with Trump is not good for both sides. Several world leaders including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rallied in support of Ukraine. Scholz said, “No one wants peace more than the citizens of Ukraine! That is why we are jointly seeking the path to a lasting and just peace. Ukraine can rely on Germany – and on Europe.”
The rift between Trump and Zelenskyy has ballooned in recent days as US officials attempted to negotiate the minerals deal with Ukraine. In last few weeks, Trump told his closest advisers that he does not like the way in which Zelenskyy has tried to drum up US support for Ukraine, claiming he used showmanship to try and win points with the media and Congress.
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