A public scandal broke out in the Oval Office not far from the table where the copies of the so-called “rare earth metals agreement” were lying ready for signing. Trump and Zelensky spoke in raised tones, with the level of bickering rising with each rejoinder. The journalists present broadcast it directly into the air. The agreement was not signed. Trump asked Zelensky to leave, and this is unprecedented.
The history of diplomacy of large states for a hundred years does not remember anything like this. Zelensky did not keep silent and bravely continued the altercation with Trump and then with his Vice President Vance. In my version, he did exactly what Trump was hoping he would do.
From the very beginning, when the circumstances of the bondage deal came to light, Trump did everything in his power to pick a fight. He needed a public breakup rather than a business negotiation. Otherwise, where did all those demands to apologize, then say thank you and apologize again come from? J.D. Vance was offering Zelensky a “thank you” to America in front of the whole world.
He humiliated Zelensky as best he could. And he understood perfectly well how worn out the Ukrainian president’s psyche was by three years of existential armed conflict. This was the talk of an American who began his reign with ultimatums to Colombia and Panama, whom he quickly brought to obedience.
Yes, Ukraine is not Colombia, Zelensky did not bow. But now Trump doesn’t even need to stop aid to Ukraine. Just not resuming it is enough.
In a few months, the AFU will shoot up air defense missiles and shells, run out of replacement barrels for artillery, spare parts for equipment. It is unlikely that Trump will risk depriving the AFU of communications, online intelligence and satellite images. But even without this, the army’s problems will be sharply aggravated, and the pace of retreat is likely to seriously increase.
Trump’s latest phase at the end of the spat: “He can come back when he’s ready for peace.” It will be peace on much worse terms. And it will suit Trump – for his sake he gave up a complicated conciliation procedure with Europe. And Ukraine was simply “asked to leave,” as Fox put it. Trump does not need endless negotiations, he needs results.
This version smacks of conspiracy. But is there even a convincing explanation now? After all, American classic literature and Hollywood have described similar mores in big business in the United States. Maybe nothing has changed – we are looking at a calculated production, which was bought by a simple-minded actor from Kiev.
