The most recent tension arising in the relationship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky once again demonstrates that Donald Trump does not hesitate to attack leaders in the democratic world, but becomes outraged if they retaliate, while being very careful in his behavior towards autocratic rulers.
The rules of the game regarding President Trump’s relationships with foreign leaders are clear: he can tear you down, but woe betide you if you dare to retaliate.
No one knows this better than Volodymyr Zelensky, who has gone through this type of diplomatic "meat grinder" several times. However, this week, at a closed-door meeting in Oslo, he received a stark reminder, writes Peter Baker, the White House correspondent for The New York Times, reporting from Oslo, where Steve Witkoff, Trump's envoy, met with the Ukrainian president.
According to a source, Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of the US President, reproached Zelensky on Tuesday for his sharp comments in response to similarly cutting remarks made by Trump, conveying to the Ukrainian leader that his attitude had angered the President.
During the discussion, Zelensky retaliated at certain moments while the Americans expressed their dissatisfaction with certain statements. "I never said such a thing," Zelensky insisted at one point, according to a source who provided details on condition of anonymity, as it was a private discussion.
The meeting in Oslo aimed to smooth over the latest rift between Kiev and Washington. Witkoff made a stop in the Norwegian capital before heading to St. Petersburg. Kushner, who was ill, did not accompany Witkoff but joined the discussion via video link.
Why Trump's "one-way" diplomacy works
The NYT journalist notes that Trump's "one-way" diplomatic approach has worked for him. His belligerent attitude prompts many world leaders to avoid upsetting him, fearing reprisals or even – depending on his mood – a new wave of tariffs.
Trump demands respect, but offers it very rarely, except when his interlocutors fulfill his desires or when he himself tries to win over certain leaders – especially autocrats like Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Kim Jong-un.
The contrast between Trump's attitude towards autocrats on one hand, and towards democrats on the other, has become even more evident a day after the meeting in Oslo, when Witkoff arrived in St. Petersburg for peace talks. After securing the release of an American held in Russia, Witkoff referred to Putin, who has an international arrest warrant for war crimes, as "a man with a humanitarian spirit."
Zelensky has been one of the exceptions, daring at times to openly contradict Trump. However, he must carefully weigh how far he can go in this regard, as Ukraine remains extremely dependent on the United States for its survival while defending itself against the Russian invasion.
The calculation Zelensky must always make
Trump's recent sharper turn towards Moscow has sparked speculation that this may be related to the upcoming midterm elections (November 3). However, according to a person familiar with the discussion, Witkoff and Kushner denied any connection to US domestic politics during the meeting with Zelensky.
During the discussion in Oslo, Zelensky was accompanied by two friends: his host, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Both have been staunch supporters of Ukraine and, like most European leaders, do not share Trump's inclination towards Russia; however, they try not to unnecessarily provoke him.
An American source close to the discussions stated that the participants had a frank but respectful exchange of views, allowing them to "clarify things" and move forward. Zelensky's public criticisms of Trump may serve his own short-term political objectives, but ultimately are counterproductive to Ukraine's long-term goals, warned the American source.
This has been the calculation that many world leaders have had to make, especially during Trump's second term: when to respond in kind when the American president launches attacks and when to swallow their pride to avoid "poking the bear."
Zelensky is starting to take off the gloves
For years, the presidents and prime ministers of allied nations have made special efforts to avoid upsetting Trump, who prefers escalation over reconciliation.
However, in recent months – especially after his threats to acquire Greenland, made last winter – leaders have shown less subservience and a greater willingness to stand their ground.
However, Zelensky's situation is more complex. Since his first term, Donald Trump has had a hostile attitude towards Ukraine, convinced by his advisers that Kiev intervened in the 2016 US elections against him – an unfounded claim that intelligence services have labeled as Russian disinformation.
The tone for the second term was set shortly after Trump returned to power last year when he berated Zelensky in a stormy meeting in the Oval Office. At that time, the Ukrainian leader showed that he was not afraid to stand up to the US President. However, guided by European leaders and allies in Congress, he has since tried to avoid direct confrontations as much as possible.
The past two weeks have made this even more difficult as Trump – who has long had a cordial relationship with Putin – has shifted even more decisively towards Moscow. Among other things, Trump and his team:
- reached an agreement to purchase diesel fuel from Russia; lifted some sanctions and exempted Russia from others outlined in the legislation he just signed;
- limited intelligence and satellite support for Kiev;
- delayed the delivery of Patriot interceptors;
- made efforts to facilitate the sale of profitable Russian oil assets to individuals linked to Trump's inner circle.
Trump insults Ukrainians and Europeans
In recent days, Trump has harshly criticized Zelensky multiple times, calling Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries "shameful" and insisting that they "must stop, damn it." He once again blamed Zelensky for the war initiated by Putin.
Trump went so far as to demand that Ukraine "find a new president" instead of Zelensky. However, he had no criticism for Putin, stating that he does not want "to do something that foolishly could push Russia away from the negotiating table."
Explicitly calling for the removal of the leader of another democracy far exceeds the limits of diplomatic protocol. However, when Zelensky responded, labeling the diesel decision a "weak decision" – suggesting that he feels "betrayed" and implying that Washington is actually trying to "convince Ukraine to surrender" – Trump took on the role of the aggrieved party.
Just hours before the meeting in Oslo, he once again placed the responsibility for establishing peace on Ukraine, not Putin.
Trump's statement that Zelensky – not Putin – is an obstacle to peace insults both Ukrainians and Europeans, concludes the American journalist. In Oslo, Zelensky emphasized that ultimately, his people are the ones under bombardment.
T.D.