The Ukrainian Ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, was visibly concerned during a recent meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. The meeting, which also included Vice President JD Vance, centered around discussions regarding US support for Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia.
Zelensky, seeking continued security assistance from the US, engaged in a direct and straightforward dialogue with Trump. The nature of Trump's diplomacy was described as personal by observers, highlighting the contrasting approaches of the two leaders.
During the tense exchange, other high-ranking Ukrainian and US officials were present in the room. Reporters were eventually asked to leave, but not before inquiring about the potential for progress in negotiations. Trump's response, indicating a wait-and-see approach, left uncertainties about the future of the discussions.
Following the meeting, Trump and Zelensky are expected to sign a minerals agreement during a joint news conference later in the day. However, concerns linger about the trajectory of the relationship between the two countries moving forward.
