Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s remarks about the ongoing war with Russia, stating that the U.S. would “not put up with” such rhetoric for much longer. Trump’s comments followed a heated meeting with Zelensky, where accusations of ingratitude for U.S. military aid arose. The discussion ended with Zelensky leaving the White House without signing a crucial mineral resources deal. As Trump prepares to meet his advisors for next steps, there are reports he may consider cutting military aid to Ukraine. Meanwhile, European leaders are seeking U.S. support for peace negotiations after their own meetings with Zelensky.
Washington:
Donald Trump stated on Monday that Washington would “not tolerate” Volodymyr Zelensky’s remarks for much longer, as the US president geared up to meet with his top team following a tumultuous Oval Office confrontation with the Ukrainian.
“This is the worst comment that could have been made by Zelensky, and America will not tolerate it for much longer,” Trump expressed on social media, referencing a story that quoted Ukraine’s president remarking that the end of the conflict with Moscow was far off.
“This individual doesn’t want Peace as long as he has America’s support.”
Trump also targeted European leaders who met with Zelensky for crisis discussions in London over the weekend, claiming that they had “clearly stated that they cannot manage the task without the US.”
“Probably not the best statement to make in terms of projecting strength against Russia. What are they thinking?” Trump remarked on his Truth Social platform.
Trump’s criticism followed a meeting between him, Vice President JD Vance, and Zelensky at the White House on Friday that escalated into an unprecedented on-camera dispute.
Trump and Vance raised their voices, accusing Zelensky of being disrespectful and ungrateful for US military support, as the Ukrainian pressed his demand for US security guarantees as part of any ceasefire arrangement.
Zelensky was subsequently asked to leave the White House, with a significant agreement granting Washington preferential access to Ukraine’s mineral resources remaining unsigned.
Trump is convening his top advisors on Monday to discuss the next steps regarding Ukraine, US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz informed reporters.
White House officials did not corroborate a report by the news outlet Axios stating that Trump was contemplating halting all military aid to Kyiv following the confrontation.
European leaders, who have proposed deploying peacekeepers to ensure any ceasefire but also seek a US “safety net,” gathered in London on Sunday in a desperate effort to resolve the dispute.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call on Monday with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy to discuss the leaders’ meeting in London.
Rubio “confirmed that the United States is prepared to negotiate to resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict and will continue collaborating with the UK towards achieving peace in Ukraine,” stated State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce.
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