US support for Ukraine in jeopardy as Trump-Zelensky meeting end in deadlock

A discussion between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office on Friday ended in a deadlock, as both leaders failed to reach an agreement on the terms of a proposed peace deal and the United States’ interest in Ukraine’s mineral resources.

The meeting began in a calm situation with Zelenskiy urging Trump to make “no compromises with a killer” referring to Vladimir Putin whilst Trump insisted there has to be compromises for the peace deal to come into effect  “it’s something that you want and that we wants – we have to negotiate a deal,” Trump said.

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However, the meeting took a different turn when US Vice president JD Vance made a comment saying “the path to peace” was to engage in diplomacy.

Zelensky asked for clarification on the “ diplomacy” Vance meant

“I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction in your country,” Vance said.

Then he questioned if Zelenskiy had shown enough gratitude for US support “ You should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to this conflict,” said Vance, adding that Ukraine faces serious problems in its war effort.

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In the process of responding to Vance’s questions, Trump interjected shouting “ don’t tell us what we are going to feel”

“Please, you think that if you will speak very loudly about the war” Zelensky said in response to criticisms from Vance, but was cut off by Trump

Trump immediately chimed in saying “ You are not in a very good Post right now, you’ve allowed yourself to be in a bad situation, you are gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III,” he remarked

“And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country.”

“I’m very respectful,”Zelenskiy interjected.

An afterward news conference was cancelled and Trump ordered the Ukrainians to leave the White House.

Trump later wrote on social media that Zelenskiy could return when he is ready for peace.

“ He disrespected the United States of America in it’s cherished Oval office. He can come back when he is ready for peace,” he said.

Zelenskiy also made a post thanking the US and the president saying Ukraine needs just and lasting peace.

“ Thanks you POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that,” he wrote.