The phase of public-diplomacy conducted at the Oval Office of White House has critically divided world opinion, and there are now more supporters of Ukraine than before. US President Donald Trump's inconsiderate conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, will always be remembered under the key-words of 'spontaneous, rude and impolite', but in their respective national interest.
The fact that the discourse was open to media telecast, and the stakeholders were out to make strong points in their spheres of argument has highlighted the dangers and complications in the Russo-Ukrainian war. Moreover, it was surprising and epoch-making to see Trump playing the devil's advocate by trying to prevail over Kiev to sign on the dotted lines with the Kremlin.
Zelensky was time and again coerced in a loud pitch, and was made to believe that neither his country is winning, nor are the chips in his favour without the support of the US. In brief, he was offered an olive branch for face saving at the cost of suzerainty.
The attitude problem from a no-nonsense person like Trump led to some undiplomatic vibes, and the world perhaps for the first time got to know how intricate diplomacy is conducted behind the scenes. Zelensky, nonetheless, won kudos from his European allies as he stood his ground, and subsequently left the White House without being feasted. That also dashed the administration's hopes for making Kiev sign on a multi-billion dollars mineral deal in favour of Washington, sending down an earnest message to Moscow that it's not all over as far as Ukraine is concerned.
Zelensky, however, emerged taller than he is from the White House duel, as he thanked his allies and kept doors open for a dialogue with Washington. The 'shouting' and 'meltdown' is the new narrative of the conflict, and has inevitably underscored the need for striking a consensual path among the warring sides.
With Putin keeping his fingers crossed as Trump is out to bridge the gap with Zelensky, and also make Europe realise its folly of pushing Kiev over the brink, there is an opportunity in disaster for a compromise of the century.
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