Washington, DC [US], March 1 : The United States President presented a clear ultimatum regarding the Russia-Ukraine war situation, saying, "You are either going to make a deal, or we're out, and if we are out."
Speaking at the Oval Office, Trump emphasised his belief that Zelenskyy had not broken any agreements with him. "He [Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy] might have broken deals with Obama and Bush, and he might have broken them with Biden...But he didn't break them with me. He wants to make a deal," he said.
"I don't know if you can make a deal. The problem is I have empowered you to be a tough guy, and I don't think you would be a tough guy without the United States...You are either going to make a deal or we're out and if we are out, you will fight it out. I don't think it's going to be pretty," he added.
Trump suggested that the outcome of Ukraine's negotiations without US support would not be favourable. "But you don't have the cards," he said.
"But once we sign that deal, you are in a much better position. But you're not acting at all thankful, and that's not a nice thing," he added.
Trump and Zelensky had been scheduled to give a joint presser at 1 p.m. following the signing of a framework mineral agreement, but the pre-planned arrangements were cancelled due to a showdown involving Trump, Zelensky and Vice President JD Vance.
This shouting match was witnessed by WH officials, the media and the other Ukrainian officials.
Shortly after Trump's message went out, The White House press pool confirmed the scheduled press conference had been cancelled. A grim-faced Zelensky left the West Wing two hours and 20 minutes after he arrived.
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