Janice R. Andrews
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to apologize following a heated exchange with former President Donald Trump during a high-stakes meeting at the White House. The incident, described by Rubio as a “fiasco,” occurred during negotiations over a critical rare earths agreement, which would ensure continued US aid to Ukraine in exchange for access to vital resources.
The meeting, aimed at solidifying US-Ukraine ties, took a dramatic turn when Zelensky left without signing the agreement or addressing the media. Trump reportedly stated, “If you hadn’t had our weapons, the war would have been over in two weeks in favor of Russia,” escalating tensions.
Rubio criticized Zelensky’s approach, suggesting his aggressive stance could hinder peace efforts. “When you start talking so aggressively, you’re not going to bring people to the negotiating table,” he said, questioning Zelensky’s commitment to a peace agreement.
The fallout has sparked widespread debate, with many Americans demanding an apology from Zelensky for the diplomatic breakdown. The incident underscores growing strains in US-Ukraine relations amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
