ALBAWABA - The fallout from the tense Oval Office meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to spark debate, with a leading German political expert suggesting that the confrontation was deliberately staged by Trump.
A Pre-Planned Ambush?
According to Thomas Jäger, a political science professor at the University of Cologne, Trump intentionally orchestrated the humiliating encounter to weaken Zelensky’s position and shift U.S. policy on Ukraine.
Speaking to Germany’s NTV, Jäger stated:
“Trump did exactly what he does best—publicly crushing someone. This wasn’t spontaneous; it was carefully planned.”
The German analyst believes that Zelensky walked into a trap, as the entire meeting was designed to pressure him into accepting U.S. demands for a peace deal with Russia.
Russian Influence on Trump's Strategy
Jäger also raised concerns about Russia’s influence over Trump’s approach to the Ukraine conflict. He argued that Trump’s failure to make progress on ending the war is due to Moscow setting the terms.
A Meeting That Ended in Chaos
The February 28 meeting between Trump and Zelensky, originally intended to finalize a U.S.-Ukraine mineral resource deal, quickly unraveled into a heated dispute. Trump accused Zelensky of lacking gratitude and risking a global war, while Vice President JD Vance joined in criticizing Ukraine’s position.
In response, Zelensky refused to commit to Trump’s conditions, insisting that Ukraine needs security guarantees before agreeing to any ceasefire.
The joint press conference was abruptly canceled, and Zelensky left the White House earlier than expected. Reports later emerged that Trump ordered his Ukrainian counterpart to leave, though conflicting sources suggest it was a mutual decision.
