JD FOSTER: Is Zelensky Cooked After Trump Oval Office Throwdown?

The chorus of a Dierks Bentley song begins, “I know what I was feeling, but what was I thinking?” Bentley might have dedicated that song to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following his Oval Office performance.

Let’s review the bidding. Knowing Harris is losing the presidential race, Zelensky campaigns with Kamala in battleground state Pennsylvania. This would be a tough hole to dig out of against any politician, but fortunately, Trump is more interested in peace than revenge.

Then, before the recent Munich Security Conference, Zelensky agrees on a plan with the United States to develop Ukraine’s mineral resources. Just before signing, Zelensky backs out of the deal and then doubles down on dumb by insulting Trump.

Still, Trump forges ahead, after throwing a few barbs Zelensky’s way, because he wants the killing to stop. It’s not about the deal. It’s not about Putin. It’s about ending the bloodshed.

Finally, the two sides have their agreement the purpose of which is partly to speed up Ukraine’s recovery and to signal for all that the United States stands not against Russia, but with Ukraine.

As explained by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Zelensky insists on an Oval Office meeting. Fine. What followed was the disastrous meeting now replayed worldwide. Obviously, Zelensky doesn’t like Trump and has little respect for the United States. Who stars in an Oval Office meeting wearing a black pullover? As one reporter asked, “do you even own a suit”?

Fortunately, Trump surely already knew of Zelensky’s feelings and he went ahead anyway. Feelings are irrelevant. Only peace is relevant. But disrespect does matter. Zelensky’s next public meeting with a U.S. official will likely be with the personal assistant to the deputy assistant secretary for Squaddosh and Diddly.

The deal is still there to be had and, eventually, a ceasefire and peace. That’s the step-by-step process.