Trump rules out Ukraine joining NATO, calls ties with Zelensky 'testy'
2 Min Read
Zelensky is expected to visit the White House soon to finalize a critical minerals agreement.
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President Donald Trump talks during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, at the White House, Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Washington. (AP)
During a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House, US President Donald Trump dismissed the possibility of Ukraine becoming a NATO member, stating, "It's not gonna happen. That's what started this whole thing."
Trump's remarks come after Russia requested the withdrawal of NATO forces from the alliance's eastern flank. The request was made during the first round of negotiations with the United States on ending the war in Ukraine earlier this month.
In discussing his interactions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump acknowledged some tension. "I think the President and I actually have had a very good relationship. It maybe got a little bit testy because we wanted to have a little bit of what the European nations had. You know, they get their money back by giving money. We don't get the money back," he said. Trump implied that while European nations receive financial returns on their aid to Ukraine, the US does not benefit similarly.
It is worth recalling that President Trump described his Ukrainian counterpart as a "modestly successful comedian" and a "dictator without elections" just a week ago, after Zelensky contested Trump's assertion that Ukraine was responsible for initiating the war with Russia.
Zelensky is expected to visit the White House soon to finalize a critical minerals agreement. This deal would give US companies access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals, which Trump framed as a form of "automatic security" due to the economic interdependence it would create.
Read more: Ukraine agrees to US minerals deal amid drop of toughest demands: FT
Trump's policy shift has sparked varied reactions internationally. European nations have raised concerns about the potential impact on regional security and the balance of power in Eastern Europe.
Meanwhile, Russia has shown cautious optimism about advancing dialogue with the US, noting the need for political will and mutual understanding.
