Zelensky, Trump, and JD Vance on US-Ukraine Alliance: An Inside Look
Last week, an Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance broke out into a heated argument that shocked reporters and TV broadcasters.
Zelensky planned to meet with the Trump Administration on Friday to discuss a plan for Ukraine’s journey to peace from their war with Russia. The Russo-Ukrainian War started in 2014, but escalated when Russia invaded Ukraine, causing countless Ukrainian military and civilian casualties in 2022.
In an effort to talk through a long-term plan, the three leaders got into a yelling match about Zelensky’s lack of appreciation for their partnership.
Below, find the inside scoop on the meeting that may have shifted the standing of Ukraine and the United States.
Zelensky on X
After their chaotic discussion, Zelensky posted a message on X Tuesday expressing his regret for the meeting’s turnout. This was the first sign of communication since he was asked to leave the White House.
“Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, did not go the way it was supposed to be,” Zelensky wrote. “It is regrettable that it happened this way. It is time to make things right. We would like future cooperation and communication to be constructive.”
Zelensky goes further to note how negotiating peace is the only option that his country wants to fight for. He mentioned how “President Trump’s strong leadership” is essential to create lasting peace.
The Ukrainian president also added his gratitude for the American government in his post, after Vance called him out for not showing appreciation for their partnership in their meeting.
“We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence,” said Zelensky.
In Congress, Trump said he appreciated Zelensky’s post, but has yet to reach out to him or carry on with his suggested plan for Ukraine.
Minerals Deal
Also, in Zelensky’s X post, he said he was ready to sign the minerals deal that Trump and him were supposed to touch base on Friday for.
The most recent version of the minerals deal involves an “investment fund” for Ukraine’s reconstruction, which Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said would be controlled by Kyiv and Washington equally.
Ukraine will allocate 50% of future revenue generated from state-owned mineral resources, including oil and gas, to the fund, which will then invest in initiatives aimed at enhancing the nation’s safety, security and prosperity.
“Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it in any time and in any convenient format. We see this agreement as a step toward greater security and solid security guarantees, and I truly hope it will work effectively,” Zelensky wrote.
The agreement states that “the US will own the maximum amount of the fund allowed under US law.”
With the recent pause in American and Ukraine communication, it is unclear what the president and vice president plan to do about this agreement.
US-Russia Negotiations
Although not announced in public yet, Moscow’s reaction to the Trump Administration’s heated argument with Ukraine has led to talk about a possible US-Russia conference.
Russia is also optimistic that strained relations between the US and Ukraine will lead to addressing economic matters between the US and Russia.
Signs of promising collaboration with Russia showed when the Trump Administration opened talks with Russia last month and did not invite Ukraine.
Further, the US paused all military aid to Ukraine on Monday after their heated meeting. This has proved that American leaders have no interest in working with Ukraine unless the conditions of both parties are met.
The Future of US-Ukraine Alliance
Whether some think that the fight in the Oval Office was a political setup or a genuine dispute, it has sparked much debate and speculation.
In order for the U.S. and Ukraine to rebuild their partnership, both parties need to do their share of taking accountability for their actions and proposing ideas for how to move forward.
There’s no doubt that both America and Ukraine want to end the war and secure peace for the Ukrainian military and civilians. Keeping countries afloat requires dedicated effort and collaboration among leaders.
