Trump expels Zelenskiy after White House spat**
US President Donald Trump expelled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy from the White House on Friday (28/02) local time. Initially, the two leaders intended to agree on a mineral agreement, but ended up arguing within minutes.
Trump and US Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskiy of being “disrespectful” for arguing that Russia is a threat outside Ukraine. Zelenskiy even questioned the US's favoritism towards Russia.
“You are betting on a third world war, and what you are doing is very disrespectful to this country, this country (the US) is supporting you more than many people should,” Trump said.
Zelenskiy also showed disrespect by folding his hands and trying to interrupt the number one person in the US. He also said the US would feel the same way if it refused to help Ukraine, which led Vance to call Zelenskiy ungrateful.
“Whether we end it or let him fight it, he's going to fight it out, it's not going to be good. Without us, he won't win. Come back when he's ready for Peace,” Trump said after the meeting.
This appears to be an open dispute with Ukraine's most important arms supplier. Ukraine's European allies were also disappointed with the outcome of the meeting, as they spent a lot of time persuading Trump not to rush to peace at Russia's behest.
“Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It is up to us, the European community, to take up this challenge,” said EU Principal Diplomat Kaja Kallas.