Payam Javan: In a recent and contentious White House meeting, President Donald Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War III,” leading to an abrupt end to their discussions. The meeting, intended to strengthen U.S.-Ukraine relations and finalize a mineral-rights agreement, devolved as Trump criticized Zelenskyy’s stance on peace negotiations with Russia. Trump emphasized Ukraine’s weak negotiating position and expressed frustration over Zelenskyy’s perceived lack of gratitude for U.S. military support, stating, “You are running low on soldiers… you’re not in a good position… you don’t have the cards.”
The fallout from this encounter has strained international alliances, with European leaders expressing dismay over the U.S. administration’s approach. French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed support for Ukraine, stating, “We were right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago—and to keep doing so.” The abrupt ending of the meeting has also cast doubt on future U.S. military and political support for Kyiv, potentially complicating prospects for American-backed peacekeeping forces in the region.
