Contentious Exchange Characterizes Trump-Zelensky Meeting at White House
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Synopsis
A tense meeting between President Donald Trump, Vice-President J.D. Vance, and President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding a rare earth minerals deal appears to have faltered, as both sides exchanged sharp words about diplomatic approaches and gratitude, leaving the future of the agreement uncertain.
Key Takeaways
- Talks between the US and Ukraine over rare earth minerals seem to have failed.
- President Trump criticized Zelensky's attitude towards negotiations.
- Vice-President Vance urged respect towards Trump during discussions.
- The US aims to secure access to Ukraine's mineral resources.
- European leaders are pressing for security guarantees for Ukraine.
Washington, March 1 (NationPress) Discussions between the United States and Ukraine regarding an agreement on rare earth minerals seem to have fallen through following a heated exchange between President Donald Trump and Vice-President J.D. Vance, alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday.
"We had a very significant meeting in the White House today. Much was revealed that could never be grasped without dialogue under such stress and tension. It's remarkable what emerges through passion, and I have concluded that President Zelensky is not prepared for PEACE if America is involved, as he perceives our participation as a considerable advantage in negotiations. I seek PEACE, not advantage. He showed a lack of respect towards the United States in its revered Oval Office," President Trump stated in a post on Truth Social after the tense encounter.
"He can return when he is ready for PEACE," he added.
Zelensky exited the White House shortly afterward. There were no updates on whether the deal was finalized.
The two parties were anticipated to finalize an agreement granting the US access to Ukraine's reserves of rare earth minerals and other natural resources in exchange for its support of Kyiv's military efforts against Russia.
During the exchange in the Oval Office, President Trump expressed to President Zelensky that he holds "no cards" in the negotiations and that he should exhibit more gratitude.
Vance remarked that Zelensky ought to show more respect toward President Trump and the efforts he is making for his country.
Vance also accused the Ukrainian leader of campaigning for President Joe Biden in the upcoming 2024 US presidential elections.
The heated exchange commenced when President Trump informed reporters that President Zelensky harbors a certain "hatred" for Russia's President Vladimir Putin that complicates reaching an agreement.
"He possesses immense hatred, and I understand that," he commented regarding Zelensky.
"But I can assure you the other party is quite fond of you; you know him as well. So it’s not a matter of alignment," he added.
Vice-President Vance, present for a news conference in the Oval Office, interjected by telling Zelensky, "We attempted the path of Joe Biden, of beating our chests and pretending that the President of the United States' words mattered more than the actions of the President of the United States," implying Biden's actions were insufficient.
"What defines America as a great country is its engagement in diplomacy. That is what President Trump is pursuing," he stated.
Zelensky responded by indicating that he had previously attempted that diplomatic approach with Putin.
He noted there were agreements formed with Russia after it seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014-15.
Following the 2019 agreement, he mentioned he was told, "he violated the ceasefire, he killed our people, and he failed to exchange prisoners. We signed the prisoner exchange, but he did not fulfill it. What kind of diplomacy are you discussing, JD?"
"I am referring to the kind of diplomacy that will halt the destruction of your nation," Vance retorted.
"However, Mr. President, respectfully. I find it disrespectful for you to approach the Oval Office and attempt to litigate this in front of the American press," he added. "You ought to be expressing gratitude to the President."
At one point, Zelensky accused Vance of speaking "loudly".
Trump interjected.
"He's not speaking loudly. Your country is in significant trouble. Your nation is in dire circumstances. I recognize you are not winning at all. You have a minimal chance of success against this guy," Trump stated.
President Trump continued, "You need to demonstrate more gratitude because let me tell you, you lack the cards. With our support, you hold the cards, but without us, you possess none. Perhaps a challenging deal to arrange, as attitudes must shift."
The two leaders were expected to finalize a deal that would grant the US access to certain Ukrainian deposits of rare earth minerals in exchange for America's support of Ukraine's military endeavors and, as Trump mentioned, bring the US into Ukraine.
"It's a beneficial agreement for Ukraine as well, as they gain our presence over there," President Trump remarked about the deal during his Cabinet meeting on Thursday.
"We will be active over there. We will be on the ground. And you know, this way it provides a form of automatic security, as no one will dare interfere with our personnel when we are present," he added.
President Trump has faced pressure from European leaders to ensure that any agreement with Russia includes security assurances for Ukraine. France's President Emmanuel Macron and Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer have conveyed this message to President Trump directly and publicly during their recent visits and press interactions at the White House.
President Zelensky is expected to emphasize that fundamental demand during his meeting with President Trump and may potentially urge him on it during their press interactions.
Marc Thiessen, a foreign policy expert, wrote in an opinion piece in the Washington Post on Thursday, "The minerals deal serves as a security assurance. Trump has made it clear that he will not deploy American troops to Ukraine. Yet, with this agreement, he plans to send something even more valuable: American workforce, bulldozers, and earthmovers."
