Before entering politics, one of the first things President Donald Trump became famous for was his book "The Art of the Deal." It is still read today by many people who want to succeed in business. Trump has brought that deal-making acumen into the White House. It is best put on display when dealing with world leaders, many of whom do not share Trump's negotiating ability. Enter Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. If you are a deal-maker on the level of Trump, Zelensky is the gift that keeps on giving, and now, he could be in a position to pay a high price for his inabilities.
The Art of the Deal
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) March 4, 2025
Zelensky has conceded to every one of Trump’s demands
Sometimes you have to walk away from the table to show that you’re serious and that’s what Trump did
And it worked https://t.co/EgBZGMqiUc
By now, the world has seen the recent blow-up between Zelensky, Trump, and Vice President JD Vance during Zelensky's visit to the White House to sign the mineral rights deal between the U.S. and Ukraine. There is a lot of speculation on what Zelensky's motives might have been to litigate what should have been the contents of a private meeting in front of international media. Trump himself said that he thought it was good for the American people to see the exchange. One thought is that Zelensky foolishly thought he would guilt Trump into something in front of the media presence. But in the game of cards, Zelensky is unaware he is playing with Trump, he may have given Trump an even better hand.
READ MORE: NEW: Zelensky Does an About-Face With Glowing Statement to Trump, but It May Be Too Late
On Tuesday, Zelensky called the meeting with Trump "regrettable" and stated on social media, "My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts." That's nice, but Donald Trump is now in a position to squeeze even more blood out of the turnip that is Volodymyr Zelensky. For all of Zelensky's recent warm reception in Europe and the American left portraying him as the next Winston Churchill, he is anything but.
After Russia invaded Ukraine in February of 2022, Zelensky declared martial law. That triggered a suspension of any local, parliamentary, or presidential elections — how convenient. But some of Zelensky's critics say that the country's constitution does not specifically state his term in office can be extended under martial law, and that he is no longer a legitimate president. Ukrainian constitutional lawyers say that is not the case.
NEW: Trump’s Crypto Czar, @DavidSacks, says @ZelenskyyUa has powerful motivations NOT to make peace and Democrats sabotaged this deal. Sacks says Zelenskyy himself doesn’t want this war to end because:
— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) March 4, 2025
1. If the war’s over, Zelenskyy loses power. He needs this war to justify his… pic.twitter.com/H5EloohwS1
In late 2022, Zelensky signed into law a statute that expanded state control of media and journalists. The law gave the National Television and Broadcasting Council, whose members are appointed by members of Zelensky's administration and members of Parliament, even greater control over freedom of speech, or the lack of it in Ukraine. It gave the agency the power to shut down any media outlet that was not "registered." At the same time, he suspended opposition political parties, saying, “The activities of those politicians aimed at division or collusion will not succeed, but will receive a harsh response." And in August of 2024, the Ukrainian Parliament outlawed the Ukrainian Orthodox church because of its ties to the Russian Orthodox church. Apparently, martial law is a handy-dandy thing for dictators — and doesn't sound all that Churchillian.
All that being said, does Donald Trump hold the ultimate "trump" card? At this point, surely Zelensky knows he has no choice but to come back to the White House and beg to sign the deal. The American presence in Ukraine, the deal would provide for, is the only "security" he can hope to get. Does Trump include a requirement in the deal that Zelensky will suspend martial law, thereby allowing free and fair elections, some semblance of free speech for the media, and stopping the persecution of religious groups and political opponents?
ALSO READ: What Can Zelensky Do to Restart Negotiations? Trump Has an Answer
If Trump were to pull that trigger, Volodymyr Zelensky may be forced to sign his own political death warrant. Reports of his popularity or unpopularity are very mixed, but the Ukrainian people may be ready for an election. It may also reveal just how much Zelensky cares about his own people. Does he even have an interest in peace? Estimates put Zelensky's worth in the millions. Is peace a profitable venture for him? Such a move would undoubtedly give Trump's critics room to accuse him of nation-building, something that has not worked out well for the U.S. in the past. But Volodymyr Zelensky knows that he needs us way more than we need him, and Europe will not be of much help to him without the U.S.
Is forcing Zelensky's hand on elections, free speech, and political opponents a doable thing? Maybe, after last Friday, it's a whole new game of cards.
Tell it like it is https://t.co/zHoclXo5qH
— Tyrus (@PlanetTyrus) March 4, 2025
