Last Friday was an epic news day. Americans were able to witness what happens behind closed doors when two leaders have a disagreement.
President Trump and President Zelensky met to sign an agreement that would have provided the US with badly needed rare earth minerals, representing repayment of billions of dollars lent by the US to Ukraine.
Trump and Zelensky held a news conference in the Oval Office where the men started to bicker over the agreement. Trump wanted to get assurances that Ukraine would stop fighting the Russians who have occupied the Ukraine. He demanded an end to the violence and deaths of Ukrainian and Russian soldiers.
Zelensky, in turn, wanted clarity about how the US would provide security for his country moving forward, should Putin renege on the deal. Trump repeatedly said Ukraine was in no position to renegotiate any of the terms. Trump was demanding that both sides end the confrontation, which could lead to World War III. At some point, the bickering intensified.
Trump was distraught that Zelensky was not respectful or thankful for the approximately $174 billion worth of aid that the US provided to Ukraine to fight Russia. VP Vance said that Zelensky was not showing respect to President Trump or to the Oval Office. Trump effectively told Zelensky to leave and come back when he was prepared to sign the minerals deal.
Who was right, and who was wrong? Zelensky wanted to know what the US would do if Russia broke the terms, something that Putin is famous for. Maybe it was the way Zelensky told Trump that he was fearful that the Russians would not stop fighting.
Trump was looking for a very big win and decided to close the mineral deal in public. When Zelensky brought up a legitimate concern and delayed the signing, Trump lost his cool.
Shortly thereafter, Zelensky went to the Fox News studio to be interviewed by Bret Baier. The Ukraine president was shaken by what had transpired with Trump at the White House. He kept on saying he wanted to be sure the US would intervene militarily if Russia violated any of the terms of the agreement.
Trump had no intention of signing any deal that could cause Russia soldiers to encounter U.S. soldiers on the battlefield. He repeated this several times as he prepared to travel from Washington to Florida. Trump aides did a terrible job by agreeing to a public signing of the agreement Ukraine. Ukraine is fighting a superpower for its freedom and needs to know that it is being protected by the US.
Was it wrong for Zelensky to confront Trump in the Oval Office in front of the press. Yes.
Did the European Union encourage Zelensky to pressure Trump? Probably.
Was Trump disappointed he didn’t get a photo op? Very.
The fighting in Ukraine must end before it becomes a larger conflict. Trump is right to demand a ceasefire. He should have taken up his issues regarding security in private with Zelensky. It was very lousy diplomacy that ruled the day.