Ukraine Will Have To Make 'Compromises' In Russia Truce: Trump Tells Zelenskky At Oval Meeting

Washington DC: US President Donald Trump has called on Ukraine to make compromises with Russia to reach a truce, as he welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday. The meeting comes at a critical time, as Ukraine seeks to strengthen US backing in its fight against Russia. During the meeting, Trump clearly emphasised the need for Ukraine to make "compromises" in the Russia truce, while Zelensky stressed the importance of US backing for Ukraine's security. Zelensky expressed his gratitude for Trump's support, saying "I think (Trump) is on our side." He also reiterated the need for Russia's President Vladimir Putin to be stopped, calling him a "killer" and a "terrorist".

During the meeting, Trump stated that Ukraine will have to make compromises to reach a peace agreement with Russia amidst Zelenskyy's efforts to seek strong support from the United States in its efforts to counter Russian aggression. Zelenskyy was unequivocal in his stance, urging Trump to make "no compromises with a killer" - a reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

The discussion between the two leaders turned into a heated spat in front of the media, during which Trump and US Vice President JD Vance were seen schooling Zelenskyy over his stance on war with Russia. 

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A heated confrontation erupted in the Oval Office between Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At the centre of the clash was Zelenskyy's perceived lack of gratitude for US support in Ukraine's three-year war against Russian invasion. Trump bluntly told Zelenskyy that without US assistance, Ukraine would have fallen to Russia, and therefore, he wasn't in a position to negotiate.

Trump's words were laced with a sense of ultimatum, saying, "You don't have the cards right now... You're either going to make a deal or we're out, and if we're out, you'll fight it out and I don't think it's going to be pretty." The tension was palpable, and Zelenskyy departed shortly after. Trump later posted on social media that Zelenskyy could return when he was "ready for peace."

The fallout from the meeting was huge, with the minerals deal left unsigned and a joint press conference cancelled. Reports from US media indicated that Zelenskyy was told to leave by senior Trump officials, underscoring the depth of the diplomatic rift.

The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy is not without controversy, given the complex history between the two leaders. In 2019, Trump faced impeachment proceedings over allegations that he had withheld military aid to Ukraine in exchange for dirt on his political rival, Joe Biden .

Despite these tensions, the US has provided massive support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia. The previous administration of Joe Biden had provided billions of dollars' worth of US weapons, logistical, and moral support to Ukraine.