KUALA LUMPUR – The presidential blow up at the White House on Friday displayed to the world that the United States has no leverage over Russia.
In fact this is exactly what Russia wants – to split the West; and its plans succeeded as illustrated by the public quarrel between Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and the tag team of US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
This is the assessment of Charge d’affaires at the Ukrainian Embassy in Malaysia Denys Mykhailiuk when asked to give his take on the shouting match that literally saw the US-Ukraine minerals deal evaporate before the world, and US military aid to Ukraine hanging in the balance.
“It’s a sign that US have problems with Russian negotiations, and look for someone to blame.
“Trump has no leverage over Putin,” Mykhailiuk told Scoop.
Vance had a go at Zelensky when the Ukraine President schooled the newly-elected Vance on Russian diplomacy where despite signing agreements and treaties, Putin reneged on promises to release Ukraine prisoners and continued shelling his country.
This prompted Trump to chime in and defend his No.2 and call off the deal.
Trump was seemingly irritated when Zelensky did not commit to a ceasefire, reminding Ukraine’s Commander in Chief that his troops are essentially fighting with US weapons.
A lunch meeting after the Press Conference was called off and the Ukraine delegation was kicked out of the White House.
“Ukraine wants peace, but a pre-condition for us are security guarantees. We are interested in long time strategic partnership with the US and we are part of Europe (as a) future EU (European Union) member,” said Mykhailiuk.
“Russia doesn’t want peace. They use US talks to split the West, and to disturb military assistance,” he added.
The verbal fracas has seen exactly that – the isolation of the US as Europe, Canada and Australia rallied behind Zelensky.
Asked to consider Trump’s position that if there are wide American business interests in Ukraine, Russia will stop the invasion, Mykhaulik said that argument does not hold water.
“There are already many American business interests in Ukraine. That did not stop Putin.
“Shell and Chevron were operating there in 2014 during Russia’s first invasion,” he said.
Mykhaulik added that the deal is important for Trump as he promised voters that he will bring US money back. The US has given close to USD120 billion (RM535 billion) in military aid.
“The pressure should be applied on Russia and we will continue to fight for our sovereignty,” he added.
“We need the US but not at any cost.” – March 2, 2025