A golden-coloured belt from the Final Preventing Championship (UFC) sat propped in a single nook of the corridor as a shouting match ensued between US President Donald Trump and his Ukraine counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky on the White Home yesterday. It got here as a present from Zelensky to Trump according to souvenirs introduced by leaders up to now.
The UFC belt was gained by Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk final 12 months by defeating British boxer Tyson Fury. It accompanied Zelensky as he entered the White Home to debate a ceasefire with Russia, a deal now in tatters after an unsightly conflict of the presidents.
The noise from their argument, nevertheless, overshadowed Ukraine’s biggest sports activities prize given as a present to Trump. What seemed to be a transfer by Zelensky to get into Trump’s good books after being known as a “terrorist” did little in his favour.
The present was seemingly even ignored. Extra humiliation adopted because the Ukrainian delegation was requested to depart, their joint press convention was cancelled, and a lavish lunch made for the company was by no means served.
The assembly on the Oval Workplace started on cordial phrases as Trump and Zelensky ready to signal a uncommon minerals deal. The 2 leaders shook arms and Trump even joked about Zelensky’s outfit – a military-style shirt normally worn by Ukraine’s wartime leaders. However the scenario went jaw-droppingly flawed inside minutes.
Zelensky tried to tone issues down, but it surely exploded as Vice President JD Vance accused the Ukraine chief of not being “grateful” for US assist. When Zelensky questioned the requires diplomacy, Vance mentioned he was being disrespectful.
The 2 presidents, who knew how one can play to the cameras, then engaged in a battle of phrases – with the previous’s suggestion that the US would “really feel it sooner or later” if it would not assist Ukraine infuriating Trump. The US President snapped at Zelensky, “Do not inform us what we’re going to really feel”.
Trump’s voice rose and the political showman cautioned Zelensky he was “playing with World Struggle 3”. Shortly after, Zelensky left the White Home, and there was no joint press convention. The formal lunch hosted by the White Home for visiting leaders was additionally known as off, however the episode was removed from over.
The ugly trade shocked world leaders. Canada and European allies rallied behind the Ukrainian President whereas Russia praised Trump’s “restraint” towards Zelensky.