Trump and Zelenskyy lock horns as minerals deal flops #rwanda #RwOT

The meeting turned chaotic when Zelenskyy argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin could not be trusted. This statement came after Trump and his Vice President J.D. Vance insisted Ukraine needed to compromise to achieve peace.

Trump, visibly angered, lashed out at Zelenskyy, accusing him of jeopardizing global stability. "You're gambling with World War Three," Trump repeatedly told Zelenskyy. "With us, you have the cards. Without us, you don't have the cards."

Vice President Vance also joined in, demanding gratitude from the Ukrainian leader. "Have you said thank you, once, in this entire meeting?" he asked, referencing US support for Ukraine.

He further criticized Zelenskyy for campaigning against Trump's party in Pennsylvania, adding, "Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who's trying to save your country."

The Ukrainian Ambassador to the US appeared visibly distressed, burying her face in her hands during the exchange.

The shouting match, which erupted about 40 minutes into the meeting, nearly derailed the ongoing ceasefire discussions. However, the leaders later held private talks and returned for a calmer press conference.

The tension escalated further when Trump implied that future US support for Ukraine hinged on signing a minerals deal.

Zelenskyy had been scheduled to finalize the agreement and share lunch with Trump. Instead, his armored SUV pulled up to the West Wing shortly after Trump posted on social media, indicating that he had cut off discussions.

The Oval Office has never seen a public fracas of such magnitude.

"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," Trump wrote.

Following the abrupt end to his US visit, Zelenskyy posted a message on X expressing gratitude. "Thank you, America," he wrote, while emphasizing Ukraine's need for lasting peace.

Despite the contentious meeting and the failed minerals agreement, Zelenskyy found strong support back home. Ukrainian leaders praised his steadfastness. "Unwavering commitment to Ukraine's interests and devotion to his country. This is what we saw today in the United States," Vice Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba posted on Telegram.

Serhii Lysak, head of Ukraine's eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, echoed this sentiment. "In the fight for the fate of the country, fundamentally unshakable. Unquestioning support for Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Endurance to our leader. We believe in the President. We believe in Ukraine."

Despite Trump's harsh words, he left the door open for future negotiations. "He can come back when he is ready for peace," Trump said after the meeting.

The failed discussions mark a significant setback for US-Ukraine relations, leaving uncertainty over future support and diplomatic ties as the war with Russia rages on.