Emmanuel OchayiFormer President Donald Trump declared on Friday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is “not ready for peace” as long as the United States is involved in negotiations to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Trump’s statement followed a tense Oval Office meeting, where he and Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskyy of being disrespectful. The confrontation raised concerns about the future of US-Ukraine relations and the possibility of securing a crucial mineral deal between the two countries.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“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 on Truth Social after the meeting. “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.”
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Tensions Rise Over Mineral Deal
Zelenskyy had traveled to Washington, D.C., to finalise an agreement that would grant the US access to Ukraine’s critical minerals. This deal was seen as essential for Trump’s ongoing support of Ukraine. However, discussions quickly escalated into a heated exchange when Vance accused Zelenskyy of showing disrespect.
As voices rose, Trump warned Zelenskyy, “You’re gambling with World War III.”
The discussion was further disrupted when Trump was questioned about his stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Critics have argued that Trump’s approach is too lenient on Putin, while he recently referred to Zelenskyy as a “dictator.” Defending himself, Trump said he aimed to work with “both of them” to achieve peace. Vance added that former President Joe Biden’s tough stance on Putin had only led to more conflict.
Clash Over Diplomacy
Zelenskyy challenged Vance’s comments, questioning what kind of diplomacy he was suggesting. “What kind of diplomacy, JD, are you speaking about?” he asked.
Vance responded, “I’m talking diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country.” He then criticised Zelenskyy’s approach, adding, “I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media.”
Zelenskyy pushed back, saying, “During the war, everybody has problems, even you, but you have a nice ocean and don’t feel it now. But you will feel it in the future.”
Trump interrupted, “Don’t tell us what we’re gonna feel, we’re trying to solve a problem.”
As Zelenskyy tried to explain, Trump cut him off again. “You’re in no position to dictate that. You’re in no position to dictate what we’re gonna feel,” he said, raising his voice.
Trump Warns Zelenskyy
The conversation reached a boiling point when Trump told Zelenskyy, “You don’t have the cards right now. You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III. And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country.”
The heated exchange has raised doubts over whether the US will continue its strong support for Ukraine. The fate of the mineral deal remains uncertain, and Trump’s remarks suggest a possible shift in US foreign policy regarding the war.
Future of US-Ukraine Relations Uncertain
Following the meeting, there was no immediate clarity on whether the US would proceed with the mineral agreement. While Trump has positioned himself as a peace negotiator, his comments have created uncertainty over America’s role in Ukraine’s future.
Trump’s statement that Zelenskyy is “not ready for peace” could signal a major change in US-Ukraine relations. With the war continuing, it remains to be seen how this confrontation will affect diplomatic efforts moving forward.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
