Putin’s Chilling Ambition Behind Ukraine’s 52-Trillion Mineral Dispute—Trump vs. Zelensky Clash
The two great powers, the U.S. and Russia, are hovering over Eastern Europe.
On March 3, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a temporary suspension of military aid to Ukraine.
For Ukraine, which has been at war with Russia for more than three years, the U.S., which has provided military aid totaling approximately 10 trillion yen, is the world’s largest donor. The fact that this aid will be cut off is a matter of life and death for Ukraine.
What triggered this was a major argument between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky that took place at the White House on February 28. The following is an unprecedentedly heated exchange between the two leaders that was reported around the world.
Trump: “You’re not in a good position. You don’t have any cards.”
Zelensky: “We are not playing a card game, Mr. President!”
Trump: “You’re gambling with the lives of millions. It’s a gamble on whether World War III will happen. That’s disrespectful to the U.S., which is providing support!”
“They won’t endure this any longer!”
Due to the breakdown between the two leaders, the planned joint press conference and the signing of an agreement on mineral resources were both canceled. Trump’s anger remained unabated.
On March 2, following a European summit, Zelensky stated, “An agreement to end the war is still far off.” In response, Trump lashed out on his social media:
“This is the worst statement Zelensky has ever made. The U.S. won’t tolerate this any longer!”
The suspension of aid to Ukraine, as mentioned earlier, was likely influenced by Trump’s stance.
There is one country watching the rift between the U.S. and Ukraine with satisfaction—Russia.
On March 3, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov criticized Zelensky, stating, “He has demonstrated his incompetence in diplomacy.”
At the same time, he praised Trump:
“(Trump) is rapidly shifting his foreign policy toward peace. His vision largely aligns with ours.”
