From a plan to hold talks to sign a mineral exploitation cooperation agreement, the meeting between US President Donald Trump and President Zelensky turned into a war of words, unable to reach an agreement.
Tense as a bowstring
During the talks that took place in the early morning of March 1 (Vietnam time), while Mr. Zelensky wanted the agreement to come with a security guarantee, the owner of the White House not only did not meet his wishes but also emphasized that Kyiv had no other choice. The disagreement reached a climax, causing both sides to constantly interrupt and argue with each other.
President Zelensky and President Trump debate at a meeting at the White House on February 28 (US time)
The two sides almost ignored all diplomatic principles even though the meeting was witnessed by the media. President Trump did not hesitate to criticize his counterpart Zelensky: "You did not show any gratitude, that is not polite. It will be very difficult to work like this". Not only that, claiming that Mr. Zelensky was betting on World War III, President Trump also emphasized: "You have no cards at all". In response, Mr. Zelensky said: "I do not play cards. I am very serious, Mr. President".
The result of the talks was a complete failure. Soon after, many sources reported that the US could soon stop providing weapons to Ukraine, including orders approved under President Joe Biden - President Trump's predecessor - could also be stopped. The owner of the White House also expressed his unwillingness to resume talks with Mr. Zelensky.
On the contrary, although admitting that in the conflict with Russia, Ukraine would have a hard time without US support, President Zelensky also refused to apologize to President Trump, while affirming that he did nothing wrong.
What did Presidents Trump and Zelensky say after the "disastrous" meeting?
Difficult situation for Ukraine
In the worst case scenario of no more support from the US, Ukraine will only have Europe to cling to.
Immediately after the failed talks, most leaders of NATO member states in Europe as well as the EU voiced their support for the Ukrainian leader, and pledged to stand shoulder to shoulder with Kyiv. Even Ms. Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs - Vice President of the European Commission, declared after the talks: "Today, it is clear that the free world needs a new leader. Europe accepts this challenge."
Accordingly, not only Ukraine but also NATO members in Europe as well as the EU must now coordinate to "self-mobilize" to solve the challenges on this continent. This is a big challenge for the old continent. After recent fluctuations, European countries have aimed to accelerate the increase in defense budgets, but to truly improve the effectiveness of military strength, it takes time, not overnight. Moreover, for more than 3 years, the US has accounted for the majority of aid to Europe. Meanwhile, the EU is not completely in agreement on aid to the EU. An EU member, Hungary, which has a friendly stance towards Russia, tried to block the EU's 50 billion euro aid package for Ukraine at the end of 2023.
However, the US-Ukraine relationship is not necessarily "out of the question" of reconnecting. Responding to Fox News after the meeting, President Zelensky said that the relationship between Ukraine and the US can still be saved. President Zelensky pointed out that the relationship between the two sides does not stop at the issue between the two presidents. He also admitted that Ukraine is in dire need of US help in the conflict with Russia. Therefore, Mr. Zelensky himself certainly still wants to return to the negotiating table with President Trump.
Meanwhile, the peace agreement for Ukraine is a foreign policy theme that Mr. Trump is pursuing. Therefore, the owner of the White House probably does not want to be known as a failure on this issue. Of course, Mr. Trump will also try to increase pressure on Mr. Zelensky to maintain the upper hand.
European leaders back Ukraine
According to Reuters, shortly after the heated argument between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with US President Donald Trump and US Vice President JD Vance at the White House on February 28, European leaders expressed support for Kyiv.
Accordingly, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk was one of the first to express his support for Mr. Zelensky and Ukraine on social media: "You are not alone". President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa sent a message to Mr. Zelensky in a joint post: "Your dignity honors the courage of the Ukrainian people". Sharing the same view, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: "No one wants peace more than the Ukrainian people".
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed a summit involving the United States, European nations and other allies to discuss how to “deal with today’s major challenges, starting with Ukraine.” Leaders from Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Canada, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden were also among those expressing support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed support for the US President. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said it was a miracle that Mr. Trump and Mr. Vance "restrained from hitting" Mr. Zelensky during the argument.
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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/sau-tham-hoa-hoi-dam-tuong-lai-ukraine-ve-dau-185250301231849486.htm
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