King Charles' crucial 'role' in building ties between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Trump and Zelenskyy have had a tumultuous relationshipUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that King Charles has played an important role in building relations between him and Donald Trump.
Zelenskyy and Trump famously clashed during a meeting at the White House back in February.
Donald Trump and Zelenskyy clash
In February, Zelenskyy sat down for a meeting with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The meeting was intended to discuss the US’ continued support of Ukraine in repelling the ongoing Russian invasion.
It was expected to be concluded with the signing of the Ukraine-United States Mineral Resources Agreement. However, the meeting ended abruptly and without a clear resolution.
During the final 10 minutes of the two-and-a-half-hour meeting, Trump and Vance repeatedly criticised Zelenskyy. In the lead-up to the meeting, there had been tensions between Zelenskyy’s government and the Trump administration. Trump wanted Zelenskyy to agree on a ceasefire with Russia.
The president also seemed to imply that Ukraine was to blame for being invaded, and branded Zelenskyy a “dictator”.
Zelenskyy and Trump’s clashes
Zelenskyy, however, wanted strong security guarantees against future Russian aggression before agreeing to a ceasefire.
In the aftermath of the meeting, the Trump administration temporarily suspended all US military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The suspension was lifted when Zelenskyy agreed to a 30-day partial ceasefire, provided Russia approved it.
Russia’s president Vladimir Putin said that while Russia supported a ceasefire and would agree to a 30-day moratorium on striking energy infrastructure, certain conditions must be met before a full ceasefire could happen.
In October, Zelenskyy met with Trump again in Washington. The US president reportedly repeatedly urged Zelenskyy to accept Putin’s conditions for ending the war.
In a new interview with The Guardian, Zelenskyy has denied claims that his last meeting with Trump was volatile, adding that he’s “not afraid” of the president.
He also revealed that King Charles has been helping build relations between the pair.
Zelenskyy on Charles’ impact
Speaking to the publication, Zelenskyy revealed that the king has held a one-on-one meeting with Trump urging him to support Ukraine more enthusiastically.
“I don’t know all the details but I understand His Majesty sent some important signals to President Trump,” Zelenskyy said.
He said that Trump respects the king and considers him to be “very important”.
“His Majesty is very sensitive to our people. Maybe sensitive is not the right word. He’s very supportive,” he then said.
The king showed his support for Zelenskyy after his stormy meeting with Trump back in February.
During a visit to the UK after his US trip, Zelenskyy was “warmly greeted” by Charles.
“The Ukrainian President was warmly received, and the meeting lasted just under an hour,” a royal source confirmed at the time.
“Prior to his visit to the UK, Mr Zelenskyy requested the meeting with His Majesty, and the government agreed for it to go ahead.”
Royal Insider has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
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