From handshake to meltdown as Trump and Zelenskyy clash
The Hindu
Diplomatic meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy turns explosive, leaving Ukraine's fate uncertain in a jaw-dropping Oval Office showdown.
It all seemed to be going so well. Then things between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy went jaw-droppingly wrong, jaw-droppingly fast.
Also read: Trump-Zelenskyy clash in White House LIVE updates
In a few astonishing minutes, a diplomatic photo opportunity in the Oval Office that was meant to be a step on the path to peace between Ukraine and Russia descended into a blazing row that has left Kyiv’s fate hanging in the balance.
Despite tensions after Mr. Trump’s recent outreach to Ukraine’s mortal foe Russia — and his calling Mr. Zelenskyy a “dictator” last week — they had managed to strike a cordial tone for the first 40 minutes.
As two former television personalities, they both knew how to play to the cameras. They shook hands. Ex-reality TV star Mr. Trump gently joked about Mr. Zelenskyy’s outfit, a less military-style shirt than Ukraine’s war-time leader normally wears.
Former comedian Mr. Zelenskyy, at the White House to sign a deal on rare minerals and to keep Mr. Trump on side, kept things toned down as they sat in armchairs beside each other and fielded questions.
Then, suddenly, things exploded.
