Commerce Secretary Criticizes Zelensky’s ‘Make-Believe’ Deal on Reparations and Security

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent visit to the White House ended in an explosive confrontation after he attempted to push for what Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick described as a “make-believe bargain” with the United States. Speaking on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Lutnick detailed how Zelensky refused to make any concessions for peace and instead demanded $300 billion in reparations, complete Russian withdrawal, and U.S. security guarantees while still at war with Moscow.

Lutnick, who was in the room for the tense meeting, explained how Zelensky’s unrealistic demands ultimately led to President Donald Trump shutting down the conversation and asking him to leave.

Key Moments from the White House Meeting:

• Trump Calls Out Zelensky’s “Gambling with World War III”–The president warned Zelensky that his refusal to negotiate peace could escalate the war into a global conflict.

• Failed Rare Earth Minerals Deal–What was meant to be a signing ceremony for a U.S.-Ukraine rare earth minerals agreement turned into a diplomatic disaster when Zelensky refused to engage in peace talks.

• Zelensky Shown the Door–After pushing his demands for reparations and security guarantees, Trump ended the meeting, making it clear the U.S. would not continue funding Ukraine’s war without real efforts toward peace.

Lutnick emphasized Trump’s stance: “Our president is there to make peace, as he said, end the death. And Zelensky was not there to make peace.” The meeting, originally set up to establish a new economic partnership, instead exposed how Zelensky remains defiant, seemingly encouraged by Democrats to resist any compromise.

Fox News host Maria Bartiromo even asked if Zelensky had been coached by Democrats to “stay firm” and reject Trump’s terms. While Lutnick stopped short of confirming that theory, he admitted, “Gosh, I hope not. I mean, that would be dreadful.”

Unlike the Biden administration’s blank-check policy, Trump has made it clear that American financial support for Ukraine will come only if it leads to peace. His approach as a mediator is already reshaping the geopolitical landscape, proving once again that strong leadership is essential for ending conflicts, not prolonging them.

By refusing to be manipulated into an open-ended commitment to Ukraine, Trump reaffirmed that America will no longer be the world’s ATM for foreign wars. If Zelensky truly wants U.S. support, he must get serious about peace or risk losing America’s backing altogether.

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