The former U.S. president has reportedly clashed with the Ukrainian president regarding military assistance and potential peace negotiations with Russia.
According to the Daily Mail, citing sources in Washington, Donald Trump was allegedly displeased with King Charles III’s meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky’s meeting with the King at Sandringham took place on March 2, shortly after a reported disagreement between the Ukrainian leader and Trump in the Oval Office.
The Daily Mail quoted a source as saying that relations in Washington cooled after the Sandringham meeting and that the UK side had conveyed that the King decides who he meets.
Reportedly, Trump’s associates told UK officials that the photographs of King Charles with Zelensky made Trump feel undervalued regarding the invitation for a second state visit to Britain. The UK responded that it was not appropriate to instruct the King on whom he could meet, according to the Daily Mail.
A UK government spokesman has denied any discord. The spokesman stated that such reports were inaccurate and emphasized the importance of the US as an ally.
During a meeting at the White House last month, Keir Starmer presented a letter from the King to Trump, who said that it was unprecedented and special. Trump accepted the invitation. He previously made a three-day state visit to the UK in 2019 and met with Queen Elizabeth II and Charles, who was then the Prince of Wales.
Trump has accused Zelensky of disrespect and ingratitude concerning US military aid. He has also claimed Zelensky’s unwillingness to pursue peace with Russia undermined his attempts to negotiate a ceasefire.
Reportedly, Trump previously suspended weapon deliveries to Ukraine, stating that Kiev needed to demonstrate a greater commitment to peace negotiations.