Trump and Zelensky clash: What will be the future of Ukraine? A harbinger of a major crisis in NATO

Compiled by: Suat TEKİN - 12punto.com.tr

A mining agreement between Ukraine and the US, which was expected to be signed at the White House yesterday, could not be finalized. The spark for the argument was ignited when US Vice President JD Vance intervened during the meeting between Trump and Zelensky. While Trump claimed he had kicked Zelensky out of the White House, messages of support for Zelensky arrived from European leaders. Analysts suggested that the fight is a harbinger of a serious crisis to come within NATO.

The tension between Trump and Zelensky escalated in front of the cameras. The 'high-toned' conversation between the two turned into a fight after Vance intervened and accused Zelensky of disrespect. Vance and Trump berated Zelensky for minutes.

During the meeting at the White House, Trump stated that Ukraine should be grateful to the US and used the following expressions:

'You are being disrespectful to our country. You know you wouldn't win without us. If it weren't for us, Putin would have won the war in three days.'

Zelensky replied, 'We will never accept just a ceasefire. We will not move without security guarantees.' The meeting between the two continued behind closed doors following the argument.

According to NBC News, Zelensky rejected Trump's demands, emphasizing that Ukraine is in a struggle for national survival. The Ukrainian leader reiterated that he wanted security guarantees from the US. However, Trump refused to meet these demands, stating that Russia respects him and that he would abide by agreements.

Following the meeting, Trump informed the Ukrainian leader that he needed to leave the White House.

According to an analysis in The Guardian, Trump's efforts to strengthen his relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin have also increased concerns. The newspaper stated that the US President appears ready to make concessions to Putin while pressuring Ukraine. The analysis noted that this situation has led to Ukraine's security being pushed to the background and European allies worrying about their own security.

Following the meeting, the US's commitment to its NATO allies began to be questioned. In particular, debates have begun regarding whether Trump will keep the promise made at the founding of NATO in 1949 to "consider an attack on one ally as an attack on America."

Zelensky left the White House without any official ceremony. Fox News reported that the Ukrainian leader left the Oval Office 'alone and in a hurry'

REACTION TO TRUMP FROM EUROPEAN LEADERS

European countries showered Zelensky with messages of support. Countries such as France, Germany, and the UK reiterated their support for Ukraine. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas pointed out that 'the free world needs a new leader' and declared that 'it falls to Europeans to take on this challenge.'

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda wrote in a social media post, 'Ukraine will never walk alone.' Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store gave the message, 'We stand with Ukraine for a just and lasting peace.'

Underlining that Europe must lead the 'free world,' Kallas reacted to the treatment of Zelensky and stated the following:

''Ukraine is Europe. We will increase our support for Ukraine so that it can continue its fight against the aggressor. The free world needs a new leader.''

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, ''Ukraine can count on Germany and Europe,'' while French Prime Minister François Bayrou said, ''Zelensky has become the honor of Europe.''

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that the division of the West weakens everyone and called for an urgent summit between the US, European states, and allies. Meloni shared the view, ''We must speak openly about the challenges we will face in the future, starting with Ukraine.''

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated his support for Ukraine in a phone call with Zelensky. In his message, Starmer included the words, ''We will do everything for Ukraine's sovereignty and security.''

According to CNN, Kallas was in Washington last week to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio refused to meet with Kallas, citing that he 'did not have time'

THE FUTURE OF UKRAINE

International Crisis Group (ICG) Senior Advisor Brian Finucane stated that the Trump administration could restrict arms shipments to Ukraine. This situation could make Ukraine's struggle against Russian forces more difficult.

In his statement to Fox News, Zelensky admitted that it would be difficult to stop Russian forces without US support. The Ukrainian leader expressed his belief that Kyiv could save its relations with Washington.

According to AFP, European Council President Costa called for a special European summit on Ukraine to be convened on March 6. Many European leaders will meet in London to discuss the war in Ukraine.

While the meeting between Trump and Zelensky caused a deep crisis in US-Ukraine relations, it raised serious questions about the future of NATO and the security of Europe. Analysts state that these developments make Ukraine's future even more uncertain.