Updated Story: Trump Scolds Zelenskyy, Cancels Minerals Deal

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Updated Story: Trump Scolds Zelenskyy, Cancels Minerals Deal \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Donald Trump abruptly ended negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a heated Oval Office exchange, accusing Zelenskyy of being “disrespectful” and canceling a major minerals deal that could have strengthened U.S.-Ukraine ties. The astonishing breakdown leaves Ukraine’s security and war efforts in limbo, while European leaders reaffirm their support. Meanwhile, Trump’s allies applaud his tough stance, with Vice President JD Vance telling Zelenskyy to “just say thank you” during the fiery exchange.

Trump-Zelenskyy Showdown: Quick Looks

Talks Collapse: Trump cuts off discussions with Zelenskyy, cancels U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal.
Oval Office Confrontation: Trump and Vance rebuke Zelenskyy for questioning Putin’s trustworthiness.
Zelenskyy Dismissed: The Ukrainian delegation was ordered to leave the White House early.
Republican Reaction: Some GOP figures praise Trump, while others lament the diplomatic fallout.
Russian Celebration: Russian officials and state media cheer Trump’s rebuke of Zelenskyy.
European Leaders React: Macron and Baltic leaders stand with Ukraine, warning of weakened U.S. support.
Trump’s Justification: The president claims Zelenskyy “is not ready for peace” and says the confrontation was “good for television.”

Deep Look

A Diplomatic Breakdown With Global Consequences

In a stunning Oval Office confrontation, President Donald Trump abruptly ended talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, berating him for being “disrespectful” and canceling a major minerals deal that could have strengthened U.S.-Ukraine economic and security ties.

Instead of securing assurances of continued U.S. support, Zelenskyy was ordered to leave the White House, while untouched salad plates from a planned lunch were packed away outside the Cabinet Room.

This dramatic turn of events has sent shockwaves through international diplomacy, raising questions about:

The future of U.S. military aid to Ukraine.
The impact on Ukraine’s ongoing fight against Russia.
Europe’s response to an increasingly unpredictable U.S. stance on the war.

The Oval Office Confrontation: What Went Wrong?

Zelenskyy entered the meeting with one primary goal: to secure assurances that the U.S. would not abandon Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

Trump, however, had different priorities—he wanted Zelenskyy to agree to a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal that he framed as a path to ending the war.

Tensions Escalate as Zelenskyy Rejects Putin’s Credibility

The discussion began politely, but tensions quickly escalated when Zelenskyy warned against trusting Vladimir Putin, citing Russia’s long history of breaking peace agreements.

Zelenskyy: “Putin has broken his own signature 25 times on ceasefires and other agreements. He cannot be trusted.”

Trump dismissed the claim, responding:
“Putin hasn’t broken agreements with me.”

Trump then dodged direct questions about offering security guarantees for Ukraine, instead arguing that the minerals deal—now canceled—would have effectively ended the fighting.

JD Vance Clashes With Zelenskyy

Vice President JD Vance, one of the administration’s strongest skeptics of Ukraine aid, challenged Zelenskyy directly, telling him:
“Mr. President, 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.”

Zelenskyy tried to respond, but Trump cut him off, raising his voice:
“You’re gambling with World War III. What you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country that has backed you more than a lot of people say it should have.”

As tensions boiled over, Trump abruptly ended the meeting, telling his staff that Zelenskyy was “not ready for peace” and should leave.

Trump’s Public Justification: ‘Zelenskyy Is Not Ready for Peace’

Shortly after the meeting, Trump took to Truth Social to justify his decision:

“I have determined that Zelenskyy is not ready for peace. He disrespected the United States in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace.”

Trump also suggested that the heated exchange was valuable, writing:

“Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion.”

These statements echo Trump’s broader strategy—positioning himself as a deal-maker who will force tough negotiations rather than offer unconditional support.

The Fallout: Ukraine’s War Effort Now in Question

With Trump abruptly ending negotiations, Ukraine is now facing an uncertain future:

Loss of Economic Support: The canceled minerals deal would have been a landmark agreement, giving the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for financial assistance to rebuild war-damaged infrastructure.
No Clear U.S. Security Commitments: Trump has not offered assurances that the U.S. will continue sending military aid or weapons.
Russia May Exploit the Rift: With the U.S. position weakened, Russia may push for further territorial gains, sensing that Ukraine is losing critical Western backing.

International Reactions: Russia Celebrates, Europe Rallies Around Ukraine

Russia’s Response: ‘Humiliation for Zelenskyy’

Russian officials and state media celebrated the diplomatic fallout, framing it as a major setback for Ukraine.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said:
“Zelenskyy got a fierce scolding. This is a humiliation.”
Russian TV anchors declared the meeting a “disaster” for Ukraine, suggesting that U.S. military aid could now be cut off.

European Leaders Rally Behind Ukraine

While Russia cheered the breakdown, European allies reaffirmed their commitment to Kyiv:

French President Emmanuel Macron: “We must continue to support Ukraine.”
Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna: “If Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no Ukraine.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk: “Dear @ZelenskyyUa, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.”

However, with Trump signaling a shift away from strong U.S. support, European leaders may face greater pressure to increase their own aid to Ukraine.

Republican Divide: Praise for Trump, Concern for U.S. Leadership

Trump’s Allies Applaud His Tough Stance

Some Republican lawmakers praised Trump’s handling of the meeting, portraying it as a moment of strength:

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT): “Thank you, Mr. President, for putting America first.”
Vance himself: “Again, just say thank you.”
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL): “Zelenskyy gambled and lost.”

Other Republicans Express Concern

However, some Republican lawmakers lamented the fallout, warning that it damaged U.S. credibility:

Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE): “A bad day for America’s foreign policy.”
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): “We have a long-term national security interest in Ukraine prevailing.”
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY): “A missed opportunity.”

Meanwhile, Democrats were scathing in their criticism, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer accusing Trump of “doing Putin’s dirty work.”