WASHINGTON (AP) — An extraordinary breakdown in diplomacy leaves the world’s peace in limbo. President Donald Trump has cut short talks with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy over a deal for U.S. access to that country’s rare earth minerals after shouting at him in the Oval Office.
Trump berated Zelenskyy for being “disrespectful.” The pair had planned to sign an agreement and hold a joint press conference on Friday. But Zelensky was instead preparing to leave the White House. That followed Trump yelling that Zelenskyy was “gambling with millions of lives” and suggesting his actions could trigger World War III.
The shouting match was followed by Zelensky’s departure from the White House. Zelensky wants security guarantees that Russia will not again invade his country in the future. Trump insists the deal will provide this; Zelensky disagrees and insists Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot be trusted on his word, as Trump implies.
Talks concerning America’s rare earth minerals deal negotiated between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Zelensky are now canceled.
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