By Daria Okruta
Staff writer
United States President Trump and Ukranian President Zelenskyy met Feb. 28 in an attempt to further peace negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine. The meeting was left unresolved after a “blowup” in the discussion between the presidents.
The two presidents met to attempt a ceasefire. However, Zelenskyy wanted secure guarantees that Putin wouldn’t go against such an agreement, as he had in the past. The ultimate goal, for both America and Ukraine, was that Ukraine would not surrender to Russia’s demands.
The other purpose of this meeting was for Zelenskyy to sign a natural resources deal, in which the United States would gain access to more rare earth minerals found in Ukraine in exchange for continued U.S. support. Trump also wants Ukraine to repay the nearly $180 billion that had been sent in aid since the war started.
Tensions and voices rose between Trump and Zelenskyy regarding how those goals will be reached, since neither party wanted to compromise. U.S. Vice President Vance was also present and accused Zelenskyy of speaking disrespectfully towards Trump.
Zelenskyy asked if Vance had been to the Ukranian warfront, to which the vice president said he’d “watched and seen the stories,” and he called Zelenskyy’s visits with guests a “propaganda tour.” Vance also told Zelenskyy “It’s disrespectful for (him) to come to the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media.”
The topics the two presidents came to discuss remain unresolved. In the meantime, the United States put a pause on the amount of intel, technology and supplies it provides to Ukraine.
Who was in the right is still a matter of discussion. Zelenskyy, of course, wants the war to end and for his country to remain safe and free. Conflict with Russia has been going on since 2014, though the war itself officially began in 2022. Meanwhile Trump must look out for America’s interest first. Lots of aid has already been sent overseas, but the war still has not been won. But Trump’s first priority should be the American people which he was chosen by. Essentially, both Presidents seek the interests of their own nations first.