Zelenskyy Calls on Trump to Pressure Putin Following Reports of White House Standoff
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy implored U.S. President Donald Trump and Western powers to apply greater pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. His plea came after reports that Trump had in a stormy closed-door session at the White House insisted that Ukraine cede land in the east to Russia as a precondition for peace.
Reports of heated argument over Donbas
Trump told Zelenskyy during their Friday sessions that Ukraine must cede land in eastern Donbas to Moscow in order to end the war, according to a Financial Times report. The discussion reportedly became tense, with Trump, according to reports, saying that not doing so would “mark the end of Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy pushed back vigorously, however. “Ukraine will not give any reward to terrorists for their crimes,” he posted Sunday evening. “The world sees that Russia reacts to force — peace through force can function. We depend on the assistance of our partners for this position.”.
A senior Ukrainian leader, according to AFP, acknowledged that Trump had indeed demanded that Kyiv leave territory it continues to occupy. “Yes, that is true,” the leader confirmed, adding that the talks had been “tense and not easy” and diplomacy “dragged out and circling round.”
Zelenskyy Reaffirms Ukraine’s Stand
During negotiations, Zelenskyy reportedly unfolded maps that showed Ukraine’s current frontlines and hold in contested areas. Trump reportedly eschewed them and declined to provide Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles.
Talking to NBC on Sunday, Zelenskyy informed Trump that he “should be tougher on Putin,” and said, “Putin is something like, but stronger than Hamas — that’s why more pressure is needed.”.
Zelenskyy also called on Trump to include Ukraine in any future discussions between the two leaders, touted as soon to come in Budapest. “If we wish a clean and long-lasting peace, we should have both sides,” he insisted. “How is there going to be an agreement about us, without us?”
Trump denies missile to Ukraine
In response to a query by Fox News about refusal to provide Tomahawks to Ukraine, Trump justified the move, claiming, “We need them for ourselves too. We can’t give all of our weapons to Ukraine.”
Following a meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump tweeted that their discussion was “very interesting and cordial,” but contained, “I told him, as I also very strongly suggested to President Putin, that it is time to stop the killing and make a DEAL!”
Trump has repeatedly promised to end Russia’s invasion in 24 hours of his January inauguration, but up to now has not been able to secure any concessions from Putin. His stance on the war has fluctuated, based on conversations with both Moscow and Kyiv.
FOR MORE : https://civiclens.in/category/international-news/
About the Author
