Trump Faces Backlash Over White House 'Bullying' of Zelensky

As the Ukrainian Association of South Africa (UAZA) called on the global community to stand firmly behind embattled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a leading political analyst yesterday said US President Donald Trump has issued clarity on the new Russia-US-Ukraine relationship, to be governed by mutual economic interests—not war.

- Brian Sokutu

Trump is facing a backlash from some Republicans and Democrats after a televised White House "bullying" of Zelensky during a meeting over the weekend.

Independent political analyst Sandile Swana said the US was "creating a pay-as-you-go system".

"Everything you get from the US must have a direct return on investment to the US. If Ukraine wants protection from the US, they must give minerals and other interesting benefits," said Swana.

"Zelensky did not have clarity on the economic question—keeping mentioning friendship when the relationship is commercial, not emotional.