Tensions between the United States and Ukraine have escalated, with the White House reportedly suggesting that Volodymyr Zelensky should consider stepping aside and leaving for France.
This comes amid ongoing peace talks between the U.S. and Russia, as well as growing frustration over the negotiations and handling of critical resources.
A Heated War of Words Between Zelensky and Trump
This week, Zelensky and former President Donald Trump found themselves in a heated war of words.
The conflict escalated after discussions about Ukraine’s mineral deposits, a topic that reportedly angered Trump so much that he threatened to pull U.S. funding entirely.
According to Axios, Trump suggested that Ukraine should compensate the U.S. for the billions of dollars in aid sent over the past three years, specifically through critical minerals worth approximately $500 billion.
Zelensky, visibly upset by the proposal, argued that the terms were vague and insisted that Ukraine should receive a 50 percent share of its mineral deposits.
He also pointed out that the amount Trump was asking for was far more than the $100 billion the U.S. had already contributed to Ukraine’s war efforts.
Despite the tension, it appears that Zelensky has now relented, and a deal is expected to be signed soon.
Tensions Boil Over During Key Meetings
The tension between the two leaders became evident on February 12 when Trump accused Zelensky of being late to a meeting and described him as ‘rude’ during discussions over the mineral deal.
Things escalated further when, just two days later, Zelensky expressed his inability to approve any agreement on his own during a meeting in Munich with Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Zelensky’s public rejection of the deal on February 15, calling it ‘not in the interests of a sovereign Ukraine,’ only added fuel to the fire.
His frustration grew in the following days, particularly after he was excluded from U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, a situation that led Trump to criticize him and claim that Zelensky’s approval ratings had plummeted to 4 percent.
The situation reached its peak when Trump took to social media, labeling Zelensky a ‘dictator.’ Zelensky, not backing down, accused Trump of being immersed in a ‘disinformation space.’
Zelensky’s Future in Question as Tensions Rise
Reports from the New York Post suggest that some White House sources believe it might be time for Zelensky to leave and that new leadership should take the reins in Ukraine.
One anonymous source even mentioned that the situation had been brewing for months and that an election for new leadership was long overdue.
White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz also weighed in, expressing frustration with Zelensky’s handling of the situation.
He told Fox News that Zelensky needed to ‘tone it down’ and reconsider signing the deal offered by the U.S. He emphasized that the U.S. was presenting Ukraine with a ‘historic opportunity’ to invest in its economy and secure its future.
Waltz argued that this deal offered Ukraine a much more sustainable path forward than continued military support.
Vice President Vance Warns Zelensky Against Public Criticism
The criticism didn’t stop there. On Thursday, Vice President J.D. Vance issued a warning to Zelensky about publicly attacking Trump, saying that ‘badmouthing’ the president would only backfire.
Vance argued that this approach was a poor strategy and would not change Trump’s position on Ukraine.
Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) later that day, Vance expressed optimism about the potential for peace in Europe, particularly with the leadership from the White House.
Kremlin Supports Trump’s Approach to Peace Talks
Meanwhile, the Kremlin echoed Trump’s call for swift negotiations to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Russian government, expressed agreement with Trump’s stance, saying that peace negotiations were a priority for Russia.
This marked a rare moment of alignment between the Trump administration’s position and the Russian government, which had previously criticized U.S. foreign policy under President Biden.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Zelensky will remain in power or if a new leader will emerge to take charge of Ukraine’s future.
The next few weeks could prove pivotal for the country’s political landscape and its ongoing relationship with the U.S.
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