Zelensky: How he met Trump and learned the art of the deal

Zelensky: How he met Trump and learned the art of the deal

The situation in Donald Trump's world changes quickly. A few days ago, the US President incorrectly described the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj as the "dictator" that had started the war of Russia in Ukraine. But on Friday the Ukrainian war hero will be welcomed with a solemn reception in the White House.

an important meeting between Trump and Selenskyj

"We will have a very good meeting. ... We'll get along really well. Okay, we have a lot of respect. I have great respect for him," said Trump on Thursday. Selenskyj has learned a crucial lesson in its part: Give Trump's success.

a visit to Washington

The Ukrainian President travels to Washington to sign a contract that enables the United States to exploit the rare earths and mineral resources of Ukraine. The first draft of the agreement was like a colonial robbery that was forced to a desperate nation; Selenskyj refused to sign him and warned that he could not sell his nation's wealth. Trump had claimed that he could earn half a trillion dollar to compensate US taxpayers for the military and financial support of Ukraine after the Russian invasion.

negotiations on mineral resources

The latest version of the contract seems to be far less stressful for Ukraine - last year Ukraine had initiated discussions with the USA about the use of its mineral reserves to finance the reconstruction of its devastated cities and infrastructures. There is talk of a common reconstruction, but Trump’s original claim of a value of $ 500 billion remains unmentioned, which is a perfect symbol of a foreign policy that the world sees as a real estate business.

a long way to security

Even if he could have succeeded in removing the most draconic aspects of the proposal, Selenskyj had little choice. He tries to get back into the peace talks. If Selenskyj's first visit to Trump after his re-election, if the fears will be disposed of that Ukraine will be revealed, this could also open the possibility of a long-term US relationship with the country-a view that seemed unlikely a few days ago.

looking for an agreement

The search for an agreement shows how much Trump is committed to negotiations. "I do business. My whole life is about business," said Trump a few days ago. Even if the deal about the rare earth does not meet its expectations, it may be marketed as an extraordinary victory for himself and the Americans.

Trump's trust in Putin

Despite the many changes between Selenskyj and Trump, nothing has changed between Trump and Putin. Trump's recent statements by the fullest trust in the Russian president set a huge alarm signal regarding the type of deal that he could strive for with Russia. "I think he'll hold his word. I have spoken to him, I've known him for a long time," said Trump.

The worries of the allies

While Trump may be one of the few western leaders who could bring Putin to the negotiating table, there are noticeable fears among the US allies in Europe that Trump will be satisfied with any deal that Putin's illegal conquest of around 20% of the Ukrainian territory is legitimized and the risk of worse war in the future.

call for caution

Earlier CIA directors and Minister of Defense warn of Trump's naive trust in Putin. "I think it is important that the president and I understand that he is trying to get Putin to the table, but he has to know that Putin is not trustworthy," said Leon Panetta. Ex-nato commander-in-chief James Stavridis noticed: "I would not trust him as far as I can throw him."

The influence of European visit

The visit of British Prime Minister Keir Strandmer is an example of the theater that European leaders have to list to reach a president who is willing to endanger an 80-year-old international liberal order. While Strander, a disciplined and reserved politician, tried Trump with an invitation from King Charles III. The question arises for a state visit whether such flattery has an impact on Trump. In the end, the fate of Ukraine could stand on the brink between the shine of a royal visit and the demands of Putin.