The Zelenskyy row shows Trump has personalised foreign policy


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March 02, 2025

The recent verbal altercation between US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on the one side and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the other will linger in the minds of world leaders visiting Washington in the near future.

Some might worry that a public humiliation awaits them if they either don’t toe the US administration’s line on a particular issue or fail to lavish praise, gratitude and admiration on its leadership, or both. Indeed, to some observers Mr Zelenskyy paid the price for refusing to flatter Mr Trump or agree to his plan to end the war in Eastern Europe, with the Ukrainian President getting scolded in front of the media before being expelled from the White House.

Reports suggest that Mr Trump’s team had advised Mr Zelenskyy against wearing military fatigues to the meeting on Friday, which was supposed to conclude with both leaders signing a rare earth minerals deal. But he did so anyway. Further, the Ukrainian President insisted that the war wouldn’t end as long as Kyiv didn’t receive sufficient security guarantees against Russia.

Regardless of his missteps, however, the verbal blowback from Mr Trump and Mr Vance was seen in many quarters to be an undiplomatic response. It could even undermine America’s own interests.

First, in the eyes of several European leaders, Mr Trump appeared to be deliberately weakening Ukraine’s position in its resistance against Moscow. This prompted many of them to swiftly reaffirm their support for Kyiv, further straining relations within Nato.

Second, Mr Trump’s stance on Ukraine, along with his threats to impose tariffs on the EU, could push European nations towards leveraging their ties with China to assert their independence from an increasingly antagonistic Washington.

Third, the indefinite suspension of the rare earth minerals agreement – until Mr Zelenskyy submits to US demands and its peace plan – means that the Trump administration has effectively shot itself in the foot.

The deal was seen to be beneficial to both countries, and if it collapses, the EU could step in as an alternative partner to Ukraine. Further, the deal was strategically advantageous for Mr Trump’s policy towards China, as it gave American companies access to critical minerals needed in Washington's economic competition with Beijing.

European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have thrown their support behind Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Getty
European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have thrown their support behind Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Getty
One cannot rule out the possibility of Mr Trump de-escalating tensions with America’s western partners in the interest of suing for peace in Ukraine

For what it’s worth, Mr Zelenskyy walked into the embrace of unified domestic support and global, particularly European, acclaim after he seemingly endured provocation and humiliation without backing down. As a result, he has solidified his own political position, making him more likely to win elections whenever they are held.

Meanwhile, any delay in ending the war, which has just entered its fourth year, will also add to the enormous pressure on Russia’s economy. The leadership in Moscow knows that merely improving relations with Washington won’t stop the drain on its resources. As for Ukraine, it will almost certainly withstand possible cutbacks in US aid, if European nations compensate any shortfall.

Still, the Europeans are keeping their options open.

Despite his warm interaction with Mr Trump at the White House last week, French President Emmanuel Macron called on fellow EU leaders to resist being subservient to Washington. Speaking in Portugal, he stressed the need to keep Washington “on our side” but also warned against any divisions on the continent amid a period of global uncertainty.

Mr Macron’s remarks on the necessity of defending Europe’s interests, as well as upholding its principles and history with determination and decisiveness, were striking. He attempted to walk a fine line in his dealings with Mr Trump, ensuring that Europe’s response to the American President’s provocative policies was calculated rather than arbitrary.

Given all this, one cannot rule out the possibility of Mr Trump de-escalating tensions with America’s western partners in the interest of suing for peace in Ukraine. He may also reassess the potential loss of the rare earth minerals deal with Kyiv and rethink his approach. After all, he is first and foremost a dealmaker.

This is exactly why it doesn’t seem as if the world is witnessing the unravelling of Nato or a fateful rupture in relations among its member states. At least not yet. Rather than a dramatic upheaval that will permanently redefine transatlantic ties, what is at play here is a temporary realignment.

But there is a larger point to contend with here.

Mr Trump’s political arsenal includes tools of reprimand, humiliation and disdain – even towards America’s allies and partners – highlighting the ruthlessness of certain methods now synonymous with “Trumpism”. Thus, the US President’s emergence as an indispensable figure in both American and global decision-making has left its mark on policymaking in capitals worldwide.

Like Mr Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was careful not to provoke or offend Mr Trump. Yet both European leaders appeared uneasy as they struggled to engage with him in a manner that accounted for his mercurial nature.

This means that foreign policy is no longer shaped solely by traditional state-to-state relations. It has, instead, morphed to the tune of one man who deliberately cultivates his unpredictability. Ultimately, Mr Trump seeks to be perceived as larger than the American presidency, as the one who shapes it rather than the other way around. That is why the world is unsettled by his improvisations.

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Company profile

Company name: Nestrom

Started: 2017

Co-founders: Yousef Wadi, Kanaan Manasrah and Shadi Shalabi

Based: Jordan

Sector: Technology

Initial investment: Close to $100,000

Investors: Propeller, 500 Startups, Wamda Capital, Agrimatico, Techstars and some angel investors

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Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

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Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

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Heidi Sopinka
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Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

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Expo details

Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia

The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.

It is expected to attract 25 million visits

Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.

More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020

The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area

It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South

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  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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Favourite pet: cats. She has two: Eva and Bito

Favourite city: Cape Town, South Africa

Hobby: Running. "I like to think I’m artsy but I’m not".

Favourite move: Romantic comedies, specifically Return to me. "I cry every time".

Favourite spot in Abu Dhabi: Saadiyat beach

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Stars:Robert Pattinson

Director:Matt Reeves

Rating: 5/5

The biog

Name: Mohammed Imtiaz

From: Gujranwala, Pakistan

Arrived in the UAE: 1976

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The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

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Date started: 2012

Founder: Amir Barsoum

Based: Dubai, UAE

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Semi-final, first leg

Barcelona 1 (Malcom 57')
Real Madrid (Vazquez 6')

Second leg, February 27

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The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Delhi from about Dh950 return including taxes.
The hotels
Double rooms at Tijara Fort-Palace cost from 6,670 rupees (Dh377), including breakfast.
Doubles at Fort Bishangarh cost from 29,030 rupees (Dh1,641), including breakfast. Doubles at Narendra Bhawan cost from 15,360 rupees (Dh869). Doubles at Chanoud Garh cost from 19,840 rupees (Dh1,122), full board. Doubles at Fort Begu cost from 10,000 rupees (Dh565), including breakfast.
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Amar Grover travelled with Wild Frontiers. A tailor-made, nine-day itinerary via New Delhi, with one night in Tijara and two nights in each of the remaining properties, including car/driver, costs from £1,445 (Dh6,968) per person.

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Results
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The specs

Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors

Power: 480kW

Torque: 850Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)

On sale: Now

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4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
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5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

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Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

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Fines for littering

In Dubai:

Dh200 for littering or spitting in the Dubai Metro

Dh500 for throwing cigarette butts or chewing gum on the floor, or littering from a vehicle. 
Dh1,000 for littering on a beach, spitting in public places, throwing a cigarette butt from a vehicle

In Sharjah and other emirates
Dh500 for littering - including cigarette butts and chewing gum - in public places and beaches in Sharjah
Dh2,000 for littering in Sharjah deserts
Dh500 for littering from a vehicle in Ras Al Khaimah
Dh1,000 for littering from a car in Abu Dhabi
Dh1,000 to Dh100,000 for dumping waste in residential or public areas in Al Ain
Dh10,000 for littering at Ajman's beaches 

How green is the expo nursery?

Some 400,000 shrubs and 13,000 trees in the on-site nursery

An additional 450,000 shrubs and 4,000 trees to be delivered in the months leading up to the expo

Ghaf, date palm, acacia arabica, acacia tortilis, vitex or sage, techoma and the salvadora are just some heat tolerant native plants in the nursery

Approximately 340 species of shrubs and trees selected for diverse landscape

The nursery team works exclusively with organic fertilisers and pesticides

All shrubs and trees supplied by Dubai Municipality

Most sourced from farms, nurseries across the country

Plants and trees are re-potted when they arrive at nursery to give them room to grow

Some mature trees are in open areas or planted within the expo site

Green waste is recycled as compost

Treated sewage effluent supplied by Dubai Municipality is used to meet the majority of the nursery’s irrigation needs

Construction workforce peaked at 40,000 workers

About 65,000 people have signed up to volunteer

Main themes of expo is  ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ and three subthemes of opportunity, mobility and sustainability.

Expo 2020 Dubai to open in October 2020 and run for six months

Updated: March 04, 2025, 10:24 AM`