"Behind the scenes: One of the sources said the meeting "was not easy," while the other simply said "it was bad." "Nobody shouted, but Trump was tough," according to the first source. "Trump gave several strong statements during meeting and at some points it got a bit emotional," the second source said. The meeting ended abruptly after 2.5 hours. "I think we're done. Let's see what happens next week," Trump said, referring to planned talks between the U.S. and Russia. Trump intends to meet Putin in Budapest some time in the next two weeks."
"Zoom in: During the meeting, Trump briefed Zelensky on Thursday's call with Putin. He stressed that the current U.S. proposal for a diplomatic solution is for the war to end with the front lines frozen in place - a difficult proposition for Ukraine to accept. Trump hinted at that stance in a Truth Social post following the meeting. After describing the meeting as "interesting" and "cordial," he said he'd told both Zelensky and Putin that it was time to "stop where they are," adding: "Let both claim Victory, let History decide!" Trump then departed for Mar-a-Lago without taking questions from the press. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment."
"Split screen: Zelensky, meanwhile, held a conference call with European leaders immediately after the Trump meeting. Several of them seemed puzzled about Trump's apparent change of heart, a source who was on the call said. Soon after, the leaders started putting out coordinated statements of support for Ukraine - a clear indication that the meeting with Trump was not a success. In a briefing with reporters, Zelensky confirmed they had discussed Tomahawks but said he and Trump had decided not to discuss the matter publicly because the U.S. wants to avoid escalation. When asked if he's optimistic about the Tomahawks, Zelensky said: "I'm realistic.""
Trump and Zelensky held a tense, 2.5-hour meeting described by sources as "not easy" and "bad," with Trump characterized as tough and at times emotional. The meeting ended abruptly after Trump suggested pausing to await planned U.S.-Russia talks and intends to meet Putin in Budapest soon. Trump briefed Zelensky on his call with Putin and emphasized a U.S. proposal to freeze front lines, a difficult option for Ukraine. Trump posted on Truth Social urging both sides to "stop where they are." Zelensky immediately consulted European leaders, confirmed Tomahawks were discussed but kept private, and said he is "realistic" about them.
Read at Axios
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