Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was allegedly given a stern send-off from the White House after supposedly showing "disrespect" towards the US while in the prestigious Oval Office.
However, a political pundit has hinted that there may have been outside influences at play.
On Friday, February 28, a tense meeting unfolded between Donald Trump and Zelensky, showing no signs of accord on matters of war and commerce, leading to Zelensky abruptly leaving in an armoured vehicle. Trump previously chided Zelensky with these words: "You've got to be more thankful, because, let me tell you, you don't have the cards. With us, you have the cards, but without us, you don't have any cards."
Later, the 78-year-old addressed reporters by stating: "I don't want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace."
In response, Zelensky turned to social media to express his appreciation for American support, writing: "Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit," he posted. "Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that."
Subsequently, Mike Galsworthy, Chair of European Movement UK, took to TikTok to criticise Trump, insinuating that Russian President Vladimir Putin may have had a hand in influencing the discussions between Trump and Zelensky. Reflecting on Trump's demeanor, Galsworthy remarked: "Suddenly we saw a man who is not comfortable in his own power," adding, "That was not just disgusting behaviour. It was also weird."
He observed a noticeable change in Trump's behaviour compared to his recent encounters with French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer when he met with Zelensky. "Something threw Trump off plan and made him incredibly nervous, uncomfortable and needing to spoil his own efforts," Galsworthy noted.
He went on to describe how Trump's usual "charming" demeanour towards other leaders had shifted to being "rude, aggressive and bullying" while JD Vance was present. "It didn't look like he was in a strong place doing it - he seemed wound up, nervous and tetchy and having a go for the sake of it."
Galsworthy then speculated about what leverage Putin might hold over Trump that would prevent a minerals deal with Ukraine from going ahead, suggesting that the Russian leader may have forced the "plug to be pulled" through a "threat".
The TikTok community reacted strongly to these observations. One user asserted: "This was an ambush," claiming that Zelensky was set up and that Vance appeared rehearsed, while Trump seemed more defeated than defiant, advising to cut him out of any deals.
Another suggested that Trump never truly intended to assist Ukraine, believing he could intimidate Zelensky into conceding something for nothing, which Putin wouldn't mind. A third concurred, commenting on a video: "Listening to your video here I totally agree with what you're saying. Something is up with Trump, Putin definitely has something on him and yes, we all need to unite together."
A different take emerged from the conversation as one person pointed out: "It wasn't just Trump and Vance. The others behind the cameras in Trump's Cabinet were all making comments to Zelensky, questioning why he did not wear a suit."
Meanwhile, another commentator downplayed Putin's involvement, stating: "I don't think Putin has something. This is typical behaviour from a narcissist when he is contradicted. No matter the subject. They lose control and their mind."
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