The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, expressed his gratitude to President Donald Trump following a heated meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski at the White House this past Friday. The gathering was marked by accusations, shouting, and a clash of interests between Zelenski and Trump. Despite the inability to reach an agreement to end the conflict in Ukraine, Rubio defended Washington's stance.
A significant confrontation occurred when Zelenski vehemently rejected U.S. involvement in mediating the conflict with Russia. Trump remarked that Zelenski is "not ready for peace if the United States is involved." In the wake of this tense exchange, Rubio quickly showed his support for Trump, who had previously commented on Truth Social that Zelenski perceived U.S. involvement as an advantage, hindering progress toward a peaceful resolution.
Washington's Priorities and Criticism
Washington reiterated that its main objective is to achieve peace, not to seek strategic advantages, and criticized Zelenski for what it saw as a lack of respect towards the United States. Shortly after Trump's statement, Rubio took to X to endorse the White House's decisions. "Thank you, President of the United States, for defending America in a way no president has had the courage to do before. Thank you for putting America first. America stands with you!" he wrote. Despite these affirmations, the new Secretary of State appeared visibly uncomfortable during the meeting with Ukrainian representatives.
Zelenski's Conciliatory Message
Nevertheless, shortly after Zelenski left the premises, he posted a conciliatory message on X: "Thank you, America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs a just and lasting peace, and we are working precisely to achieve it."
The meeting has become global news, with several Ukrainian media outlets backing Zelenski, especially following reports of an unexpected rapprochement between Moscow and Washington in recent weeks. Ukrainian journalist Illia Ponomarenko described the White House's stance as "simply shameful" and noted, "All of this is happening in front of the entire world, before the global press, live. They are doing everything possible to break Zelenski." Ukrainian officials also responded: "We have been closely monitoring events in Washington. England had Richard the Lionheart; we have Volodymyr the Lionheart," said Maksym Kozytsky, head of the regional administration in the western Lviv region.
White House's Firm Position
The White House issued a statement affirming that "Trump and Vice President JD Vance will always defend the interests of the American people and those who respect the United States' position in the world." The statement also quoted Trump during the meeting, telling the Ukrainian leader, "Let me tell you, you don't hold the cards. With us, you have the cards, but without us, you have none."
FAQs on the U.S. and Ukraine Conflict Negotiations
What was the main issue during the meeting between Trump and Zelenski?
The main issue was Zelenski's rejection of U.S. mediation in the conflict with Russia, which led to a tense exchange with Trump.
How did Marco Rubio respond to the meeting's outcome?
Marco Rubio expressed his support for Trump's approach and thanked him for prioritizing American interests.
What was Zelenski's reaction after the meeting?
Zelenski posted a conciliatory message on X, thanking the U.S. for its support and emphasizing Ukraine's need for a just and lasting peace.