Trump ends talks with Zelensky amid rising tensions
After a turbulent exchange between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, the US president decided to terminate the talks. According to sources from the White House, Trump concluded that Zelensky was "not in a place to negotiate" and instructed him to leave the White House, declining further meetings. The Ukrainian delegation, despite their desire to continue discussions, was sent away without a joint lunch or further negotiations.
Following a heated exchange between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, the US president chose to end the meeting. According to information provided by journalist Kaitlan Collins of CNN, after the talks concluded, Trump immediately gathered his key advisers, including Senator J.D. Vance, Senator Marco Rubio, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, to discuss further actions regarding Zelensky.
As reported by a White House source, Trump determined that the Ukrainian president was "not in a place to negotiate," prompting him to end the talks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz were instructed to inform Zelensky that he must leave the White House.
The Ukrainian delegation, in accordance with protocols, was in a separate room where they usually wait for subsequent rounds of talks and a joint diplomatic luncheon. However, on this occasion, no further meetings occurred. According to Collins, the meal prepared for the Ukrainian guests remained untouched, sitting on carts in the hallway as Zelensky and his delegation were given clear instructions to depart the White House.
A source within the US administration asserts that the Ukrainian side wanted to continue negotiations but was met with a refusal.
As a result, President Zelensky and his team left the White House shortly after the order was issued. The entire situation underscores the growing tensions in relations between Washington and Kyiv and suggests a shift in the Trump administration's approach to further support for Ukraine.
Let's recall—the main purpose of President Zelensky's visit to Washington was to sign a framework agreement on mineral resources with the US. This agreement aimed to jointly develop Ukraine's mineral deposits, such as rare earth metals, to benefit both sides. For Ukraine, it would mean financial support for the country's reconstruction and economic strengthening, while for the US, it meant securing access to key resources and reducing dependency on other suppliers such as China.
During today's meeting in the Oval Office, there was a sharp exchange of words between Presidents Trump and Zelensky.
The US president accused his Ukrainian counterpart of disrespect and being unprepared for peace negotiations, leading to the premature end of talks and the cancellation of the planned press conference. As a result, the mineral resources agreement was not signed, and the future of cooperation between the US and Ukraine remains uncertain.
