A recent meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ended in tension, with Zelensky reportedly leaving the White House abruptly after being accused of showing “disrespect” during their discussions. Political analyst Mike Galsworthy suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin may have influenced Trump’s behavior, causing him to appear “nervous” and “thrown off plan.”
During the meeting, Trump criticized Zelensky, stating, “You’ve got to be more thankful, because, let me tell you, you don’t have the cards. With us, you have the cards, but without us, you don’t have any cards.” Trump later told reporters, “I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace.”
Zelensky, in response, expressed gratitude for U.S. support on social media, writing, “Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
Galsworthy, Chair of European Movement UK, speculated that Putin might have leverage over Trump, potentially disrupting a minerals deal with Ukraine. He noted a shift in Trump’s demeanor, describing him as “rude, aggressive, and bullying” during the meeting, unlike his usual “charming” interactions with other leaders. Galsworthy suggested that Trump’s behavior indicated discomfort and nervousness, possibly due to external pressures.
The meeting has sparked widespread reactions, with some suggesting that Trump’s actions were influenced by Putin, while others attributed his behavior to his personality. The incident has raised questions about the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and Trump’s role in international diplomacy.
