Trump scrapped a planned minerals deal with Ukraine after a heated Oval Office exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, accusing him of being “disrespectful” and “gambling with World War III,” according to the Associated Press.
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The high-stakes meeting, which was expected to solidify U.S.-Ukraine cooperation, quickly unraveled when Zelenskyy raised concerns about Russia’s commitment to peace. Trump, visibly irritated, shut down the conversation, canceled the signing of the minerals deal, and dismissed Zelenskyy from the White House.
“You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country that’s backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have,” Trump told Zelenskyy during the exchange.
Vice President JD Vance, who was present at the meeting, also confronted Zelenskyy, telling him, “With respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media.” When Zelenskyy attempted to respond, Trump cut him off and raised his voice.
Shortly after the meeting, Trump took to his social media platform to declare Zelenskyy “not ready for peace” and stated that the Ukrainian leader “disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office.”
The minerals deal was expected to give the U.S. greater access to Ukraine’s rare earth resources, potentially strengthening Kyiv’s position in its war with Russia. The abrupt cancellation raises questions about America’s long-term support for Ukraine and signals a possible shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump.
Democratic leaders swiftly criticized the move, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calling the incident “a disaster for global stability” and accusing Trump of playing into Russian President Vladimir Putin’s hands.
Despite the setback, Zelenskyy continued his Washington visit, meeting with U.S. senators to advocate for continued American support in Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
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