Trump-Zelensky clash: Security guarantees spark Oval Office spat
"You've got to be more thankful," said Donald Trump to Volodymyr Zelensky. During their meeting in the Oval Office, tensions rose, and the American leader raised his voice at the President of Ukraine.
On Friday, Donald Trump hosted Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.
As previously announced by the American leader and confirmed by the President of Ukraine, the goal was to sign an agreement on mineral extraction.
However, the Ukrainian side has consistently emphasized that it will only sign if it receives security guarantees from the American side.
Argument over guarantees?
According to media reports on the meeting in the Oval Office, a confrontation occurred between the politicians over Zelensky's insistence on securing security guarantees for Ukraine and actively involving Kyiv in the negotiation process.
"You don't have the cards in your hands, you should be grateful to us. You can't tell us I want this, I want that," Trump said to Zelensky.
The American leader pointed out that Ukraine does not have enough soldiers.
"People are dying ... you're running low on soldiers," Trump said emphatically.
"You have NO right to dictate what we should feel. You are gambling with World War III. I have empowered you to be a tough guy, you either make a deal or we're out. You don't have the cards," Trump continued.
