In a groundbreaking diplomatic spectacle, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with former U.S. President Donald Trump, in what can only be described as a masterclass in international reality television. The two leaders, each famous for their on-screen presence—one as a wartime president, the other as a former reality TV host—held talks that could redefine diplomacy or at least provide top-tier meme material.
What was supposed to be a crucial meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky quickly spiraled into what can only be described as a geopolitical episode of The Apprentice. Initially, the two leaders were set to discuss a minerals deal and potential steps toward a ceasefire with Russia. Instead, Trump, in his ever-diplomatic fashion, accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War III”—because, as we all know, defending one’s country from invasion is totally reckless behavior.
Adding to the chaos, Vice President JD Vance, who apparently moonlights as a foreign policy expert, criticized Zelensky for showing “disrespect” and questioned his commitment to diplomacy. Because nothing says “commitment to diplomacy” like demanding a country hand over its land to an invading force. The meeting went so well that both the minerals agreement and the planned joint press conference were promptly scrapped—perhaps to make room for another round of Trump-branded peace talks, where conflict resolution comes with a lifetime membership to Mar-a-Lago.What was supposed to be a crucial meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky quickly spiraled into what can only be described as a geopolitical episode of The Apprentice. Initially, the two leaders were set to discuss a minerals deal and potential steps toward a ceasefire with Russia. Instead, Trump, in his ever-diplomatic fashion, accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War III”—because, as we all know, defending one’s country from invasion is totally reckless behavior.
One positive (and we use that term loosely) outcome of the meeting is that the world now has absolute clarity on Trump’s position—namely, that he thinks wars can be ended with a handshake and a real estate deal. The discussions, however heated, at least provided insight into the deep divide between Ukraine’s urgent need for military support and Trump’s preference for “negotiating” with dictators.
Additionally, the U.S. administration’s emphasis on a ceasefire—though clearly at odds with reality—does reinforce the idea that diplomacy is, in theory, preferable to prolonged conflict. Unfortunately, in this case, “diplomacy” seemed to mean handing Ukraine a bill and suggesting they sort it out themselves.
Perhaps the biggest win of the meeting came from Europe, where leaders in the UK and France wasted no time condemning Trump’s treatment of Zelensky. If nothing else, the meeting highlighted who Ukraine’s real allies are—and, spoiler alert, they’re not the ones telling Zelensky to make a deal with Putin as if he were haggling over a used car.
First and foremost, the meeting has made U.S.-Ukraine relations more strained than ever. Trump’s open hostility toward Zelensky, coupled with his administration’s decision to suspend military aid, is a gut punch to a country that relies on such support for its survival. Because what better time to cut off a nation’s weapons supply than in the middle of an invasion?
Even worse, this diplomatic disaster serves as a gift to Russia. The Kremlin is no doubt watching with glee as Trump signals that U.S. support for Ukraine is no longer guaranteed. This emboldens Putin, giving him further incentive to ramp up attacks while the West is distracted. So congratulations, Mr. Trump—if your goal was to hand Russia a propaganda victory, mission accomplished.
Zelensky, meanwhile, is facing criticism back home for even attending the meeting, as some see it as an unnecessary engagement with a leader who has openly undermined Ukraine’s war effort. However, it’s worth noting that Zelensky didn’t come to beg—he came to stand his ground. Unlike some world leaders who prefer to cozy up to Putin, Zelensky refuses to back down, even when faced with condescending lectures from former reality TV stars.
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