Washington, DC [US], March 1 (ANI): US President Donald Trump delivered a stark ultimatum regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, telling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, “You are either going to make a deal, or we’re out. And if we’re out, you will have to fight it out.”
Trump emphasized his belief that Zelenskyy had not broken any agreements with him, stating, “He [Zelenskyy] might have broken deals with Obama, Bush, and Biden, but he didn’t break them with me. He wants to make a deal.” However, he was less optimistic about Ukraine’s ability to strike a favorable deal without US support, adding, “The problem is I have empowered you to be a tough guy, and I don’t think you would be tough without the United States.”
He warned Zelenskyy that without US backing, the conflict would likely end poorly for Ukraine: “You don’t have the cards right now. But once we sign that deal, you’ll be in a much better position. But you’re not acting at all thankful, and that’s not a nice thing.”
Zelenskyy’s Gratitude and Call for Peace
After his visit to the US, President Zelenskyy thanked President Trump for his support, reiterating Ukraine’s need for a “just and lasting peace.” In a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, “Thank you, America. Thank you for your support. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people.” He also stressed, “Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
During a heated press conference, Zelenskyy urged for security guarantees and pointed out that Russia’s aggression had continued even during Trump’s presidency. However, Trump fired back, accusing Zelenskyy of being disrespectful in attacking the US administration that had been trying to prevent Ukraine’s destruction.
Trump Critiques Zelenskyy’s Position and Military Support
Trump directly addressed Zelenskyy, telling him, “If you didn’t have our military equipment, this war would have been over in two weeks.” He further emphasized that the US had provided Ukraine with significant military support, which, in his view, had given Zelenskyy a fighting chance. Trump stated, “We gave you USD 350 billion, and your men are brave, but they had to use our military. If you didn’t have our military equipment, this war would have been over in two weeks.”
Trump also scolded Zelenskyy for not showing sufficient gratitude for the support and warned that Ukraine was gambling with the lives of millions. “You are gambling with World War Three, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country,” he remarked.
A Sudden Pause in Military Aid
The tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy escalated to the point where the planned joint press conference following the signing of a framework mineral agreement was abruptly canceled. The clash was witnessed by White House officials, the media, and other Ukrainian delegates. Shortly after, the White House confirmed that the press conference had been canceled, and Zelenskyy left the West Wing two hours and 20 minutes after arriving.
In a follow-up development, reports confirmed that the Trump administration had paused all military aid to Ukraine, including weapons in transit, following the showdown with Zelenskyy. According to Fox News, aid would remain on hold until Ukraine showed more appreciation for the US support and committed to peace negotiations.
A senior administration official clarified, “This is not a permanent termination of aid, it’s a pause,” emphasizing that military support would resume only when Ukraine demonstrated a good faith effort toward peace talks.
Trump’s Stance on Peace Negotiations
Trump also weighed in on the broader negotiations, suggesting that peace could be achieved quickly if all relevant parties, including European nations, were willing to engage. “It takes two to tango,” he said, stressing the importance of involving all stakeholders in the negotiation process. He added that a deal could be reached “very fast,” but warned that any party unwilling to negotiate might lose their position of power. “Maybe somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, and if somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, I think that person won’t be around very long,” he stated.
Trump expressed confidence that both Russia and Ukraine wanted a deal, remarking, “I believe Russia wants to make a deal. I believe certainly the people of Ukraine want to make a deal. They have suffered more than anybody else.”
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