Zelenskyy Warned Against ‘Taking the Bait’ Before Tense Trump Meeting
Will Zelenskyy’s Approach Backfire?
Hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meeting with former US President Donald Trump, he received a sobering warning from a trusted ally – Senator Lindsey Graham. The South Carolina Republican cautioned Zelenskyy against engaging in contentious debates over security agreements, urging him to avoid "taking the bait."
The Warning Falls on Deaf Ears
Despite the warning, the meeting quickly turned combative. Zelenskyy, seeking renewed US military support for Ukraine’s war effort, pressed for stronger American engagement. His pleas were met with sharp criticism from Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who accused him of ingratitude. The tense exchange, which played out in front of journalists, ended with Zelenskyy departing the White House abruptly, without securing a minerals-sharing deal that had been expected.
Tensions Boil Over
Zelenskyy’s approach was met with resistance, as Trump grew visibly frustrated, pressing him on potential concessions to Moscow. Vance escalated the confrontation, accusing the Ukrainian leader of failing to appreciate US assistance. Zelenskyy pushed back, listing diplomatic failures that preceded Russia’s full-scale invasion. The exchange quickly deteriorated, with Vance accusing Zelenskyy of disrespecting Trump, while Trump warned the Ukrainian leader that he was "gambling with World War III."
Zelenskyy’s Warning: A Threat to the US?
Tensions peaked when Zelenskyy warned that Russian aggression posed a long-term threat, even to the US. "You have a nice ocean, and don’t feel now, but you will feel it in the future," he said. At that, Trump abruptly ended the meeting, telling reporters the spectacle would make for "great television."
Graham’s Warning: Resignation or Alternative
Graham, who had initially positioned himself as a mediator, later told reporters that Zelenskyy should "resign and send somebody over that we can do business with, or change." Other Republican leaders echoed similar sentiments, either downplaying the confrontation or criticizing Zelenskyy for not showing deference to Trump.
Zelenskyy Remains Defiant
Zelenskyy remained resolute in his approach. In a later Fox News interview, he acknowledged the heated nature of the exchange but insisted his approach was necessary. The question remains: will Zelenskyy’s approach backfire, or will he secure the support Ukraine so desperately needs? Only time will tell.
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