My take on it?
Zelensky was set up in the most despicable way. They pretended to bargain in good faith until the deal was set to be signed. Once they had his hopes up, they got him in front of the news and proceeded to gaslight him.
Clothing
The first omen was the comment on Zelensky’s clothing. It was the harbinger of what was to come. The “lack of respect” that came next is always a good tactic from someone who knows damn well that nobody respects him.
“Discussion”
Zelensky started out discussing the problems. The VP started arguing. Zelensky tried to argue back, but then he began to realize that the VP was not discussing anything, merely posturing for the media.
Then the President and the VP began to demand that Zelensky prostrate himself before them with thanks and apologies.
At that point, Zelensky realized that he had been brought in front of the world press as the latest contestant in “The Apprentice, 2025.”
He refused to debase himself and walked out.
Apparently ,the President actually said, “This is going to be great television.”
The Bottom Line
When you are dealing with a bully, there is a point where you realize that no demonstration of class has the slightest effect on the outcome. The choices are fight or leave. Since a fight is what the bully wants, leaving is really the only option. World opinion has backed Zelensky on this one.
PS
Historically speaking, find me just one creditable historian that suggests Neville Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement had any effect on stopping Hitler. While nobody suggests Chamberlain was anything more than naïve, it is quite obvious that Trump is in league with Putin. Does the Axis of Evil ring any bells?
While you’re at it, find me one Trump advisor that has shown any indication of having read history.