Trump: "Ukraine may not survive under any circumstances"
Former US President Donald Trump has been waiting for the return of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House and the signing of a deal on rare metals since his dispute with Zelensky. Trump revealed this in an interview with Fox News.
Trump: «Zelensky is not grateful»
During the interview, Trump stated that he believes Zelensky does not show enough gratitude for the aid provided to Ukraine by Washington. "He is a smart guy. And he is a rude guy. He received money like a child getting candy during the Biden administration. The same attitude. It was very easy! I don't think of him as grateful," Trump said.
The Fox News host asked the former president, "Would you be satisfied if you stopped helping, and Ukraine might not survive?" Trump replied, "Ukraine may not survive in any case." These words could lead to new controversies in US politics.
Position on the Russia-Ukraine war
When a journalist reminded Trump that some observers claim he is supporting Moscow in the Russia-Ukraine war, he rejected such an idea. "No one has had as tough a relationship with Russia as Donald Trump," said the former president. He also emphasized that he has a "good relationship" with Vladimir Putin.
Rare metals deal and Zelensky's visit to Washington
On February 28, a deal on rare metals was supposed to be signed between the US and Ukraine. However, during Zelensky's visit to Washington, a dispute occurred between Trump and Vice President Jay DeVance. After this dispute, Zelensky left the White House early. This incident led to a delay in the signing of the deal.
A few days later, Trump stated that the deal was "not dead," but emphasized that Zelensky should be grateful for the aid provided to Ukraine by the US. This indicates that the Trump administration may change its policy towards Ukraine.
Conditions for aid to Ukraine may change
According to NBC News sources, Trump has said in discussions with his aides that simply signing the deal on rare metals is no longer sufficient to resume military aid and intelligence information to Ukraine. Trump is demanding that Volodymyr Zelensky start peace negotiations with Russia and express readiness to abandon the territories occupied by Moscow. Additionally, it has been reported that he is also waiting for Zelensky to step down from the presidency.
The future of Trump and Zelensky's relationship
The relationship between Trump and Zelensky is becoming quite complicated. If Zelensky wants US assistance to continue, Trump is demanding a series of concessions from him. This could seriously impact the political and diplomatic dialogue between Ukraine and the US.
It remains unclear how Zelensky will respond to these demands. The future development of relations between Ukraine and the US largely depends on Trump's subsequent decisions.
