Crypto gamblers on Polymarket, the prediction market platform, have staked over $627,000 on the speculation that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will step down before July.
At the time of publication, Polymarket participants estimated a 19% probability of Zelenskyy’s premature exit.
Meanwhile, European Union leaders are set to convene on Sunday to address Russia and a peace plan for Ukraine. Another meeting is planned for March 6.
What went wrong with the US?
On Friday, Zelenskyy visited the White House to discuss with President Donald Trump, who often touts his dealmaking skills as an asset, an end to Russia’s war with Ukraine.
The talks concluded without a deal. Also, Trump rebuked Zelenskyy for not showing appreciation to the U.S.
“You have to be thankful. You don’t have the cards right now,” he said. For weeks, Trump has been urging Ukraine to give up a sizable portion of its mineral assets to the U.S., but offered almost nothing in return, according to the Associated Press.
“You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out, and if we’re out, you’ll fight it out and I don’t think it’s going to be pretty,” Trump said.
“I’m not playing cards,” Zelenskyy replied. “I’m very serious, Mr. President. I’m the president in a war.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to accept Ukraine’s sovereignty and independent statehood, often mischaracterizing historical events to justify Russia’s invasion.
Vice President JD Vance also chimed in during the meeting, criticizing Zelenskyy rather than express any disapproval of Putin’s actions.
“Have you said thank you once this entire meeting?” Vance asked.
In reality, Zelenskyy has thanked the U.S. nearly three dozen times, CNN tallied. That includes recently, on Feb. 12, just over two weeks before Friday’s White House visit.
“I am grateful to President Trump for his interest in what we can accomplish together,” Zelenskyy posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Zelenskyy to Vance: ‘Come once’
Vance also berated Zelenskyy for attempting to “litigate” the conflict resolution in the Oval Office, calling it disrespectful and noting Ukraine’s struggles with manpower.
“Have you ever been to Ukraine that you say what problems we have?” Zelenskyy asked. “Come once.”
Vance, seemingly flustered, responded: “I’ve actually watched and seen the stories, and I know that what happens is you bring people, you bring them on a propaganda tour, Mr. President. Do you disagree that you’ve had problems, bringing people into your military?”
Trump, who has a co-writing credit on the 1987 book “The Art of the Deal,” went on to blame Zelenskyy’s “hatred” toward Putin for complicating the talks.
“That’s very tough for me to make a deal with that kind of hate,” Trump said.
According to Lostarmour.info and UALosses.org, about 62,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died since Russia launched an invasion in February 2022. Over 95,000 people in Russia’s military have died, BBC recently reported.
Trump summed up the meeting with a smirk, adding: “This is going to be great television.”
EU extends support
Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev said on X: “Ukraine, be brave, be strong! We are all by your side.”
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission, shared a similar sentiment.
“Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President Zelenskyy,” she said. “We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.”
