Washington, DC [US]: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should apologize for turning his meeting with President Donald Trump into a “fiasco.”
Rubio’s comments come after a verbal clash between Zelensky, Trump, and US Vice President JD Vance at the White House on Friday (local time). The heated exchange, witnessed by White House officials, media personnel, and Ukrainian representatives, escalated tensions between the two nations.
Rubio Criticizes Zelensky’s Approach to Diplomacy
In an interview with CNN, Rubio criticized Zelensky for his antagonistic approach, arguing that Trump is focused on ending the war and pushing for negotiations with Russia.
“I think AI is the biggest technology change that we have seen in our lifetime till date. And in my view, it is the engine that will empower India to grow at 10 per cent or double-digit growth numbers for the foreseeable future,” he said.
Rubio defended Trump’s position, stating:
“The president’s been very clear—he campaigned on this. He thinks this war should have never started. He believes, and I agree, that had he been president, it never would have happened. Now, here we are. He’s trying to bring an end to this conflict.”
He also emphasized that the US-Ukraine agreement that was set to be signed was not a security guarantee, but rather an economic deal that would bind the US to Ukraine’s economy.
Zelensky and Vance Clash, Meeting Goes ‘Off the Rails’
Rubio revealed that tensions escalated when Zelensky questioned Vice President Vance about the diplomatic approach being taken to end the war.
“The meeting went off the rails when he [Zelensky] asked, ‘What kind of diplomacy are you talking about?’” Rubio said, adding that Zelensky’s comments undermined efforts for a peace deal.
He also criticized Ukraine’s insistence on meeting in Washington, stating that the deal could have been signed five days earlier but was delayed due to Zelensky’s demands.
Trump and Vance Accuse Zelensky of ‘Disrespect’
The Oval Office meeting, which initially featured warm greetings and handshakes, quickly turned sour when Zelensky criticized Russia’s diplomatic failures in front of journalists.
Vice President Vance accused Zelensky of “litigating” in front of the world’s press, claiming that his past engagements with Democrats during the 2024 campaign were inappropriate.
Trump, visibly frustrated, called Zelensky “disrespectful” and reminded him of the US’s contributions to Ukraine:
“You don’t have the cards. 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,” Trump warned.
Rare Earth Minerals Deal Stalled
The meeting was originally intended to finalize a US-Ukraine deal focused on joint investments in rare-earth mineral extraction—a crucial industry for tech production. However, following the clash, the agreement remains unsigned.
The heated exchange underscores growing tensions between the Biden administration and Ukraine, raising doubts about future diplomatic and economic cooperation.