Zelensky vs Trump: When Character And Ego Stretched Diplomacy Beyond Elastic Limit

By: A. G. Abubakar

The altercations were as hot as they were undiplomatic. The setting? The Oval Office of the White House, the seat of the US government. The combatants were Presidents Donald Trump of the US and Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine. The contention? Trump, trying to stampede Zelensky into commiting to a ceasefire process that Zelensky considered injurious to his nation’s national interest. Trump had wanted the Ukrainian leader to enter into a deal that would give the US the mining right over Ukraine’s rare earth minerals which include lithium, as a repayment of the billions of dollars worth of weapons the US supplied to Ukraine. Zelensky didn’t object to the arrangement but had wanted the agreement to be equitable and also backed by a security guarantee to forestall future Russia invasion.

In the wake of the 2022 full invasion of Ukraine by its neighbouring Russia, the country sought and secured military support of the US that has been allegedly valued by Trump to be worth $350 billion (still counting) under the erswhile President Biden. Trump, who inherited the three-year conflict, bragged and vowed to end the war on his first day in office, as he prides himself the best deal-maker the world has ever seen.

Two months down the line, the war still rages on. A development the self-styled global “peace maker” found difficult to come to terms with, making him to act in desperation. Maybe just to redeem his self-ascribed ability as a negotiator extraordinaire. Narcissist Trump considers himself, the best thing that ever happened to humanity after the invention of sliced bread! It was this inflated ego that Zelensky got bruised and deflated by not submitting to his proposed “deal” on the mineral right so long as it will not include guarantee from future Russian attacks. This set the tune for the heated exchanges that was to follow. In Trump’s corner during the formal dialogue was JD Vance his Vice President and hype-man. Now a recap.

The first trigger was pulled by Vance. He went on the offensive by accusing Zelensky of coming “to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country.”

Zelensky; “A lot of questions, let’s start from the beginning. First of all during the war, everybody has problems, even you. But you have a nice ocean and don’t feel it now, but you will feel it in the future. God bless, you know.”

Trump; “Don’t tell us what we are going to feel…..you are not in a good position. You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards.”

Zelensky; “I am not playing cards.”

Trump; “You are gambling with World War III. And what you are doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that’s backed you.”
He continued, ” You are not winning this. We gave you through this st-pid president $350 billion….If you didn’t have our military equipment, this war would have been over in two weeks.”

Zelensky, (sarcastically); “In three days, I heard it from Putin,” insinuating that Trump was doing Putin’s bidding.
In frustration, Trump ended by saying, “it’s going to be a very difficult thing to do business like this again. And the curtain falls. Trump left sulking and looking furlon. His rough rider approach to diplomacy has failed him. The power balance may be stack against Ukraine a nation of 38 million souls which is about the size of America’s state of California (38.8m), but Zelensky stood on a higher moral ground; a security guarantee for his people.

Wonders shall never end. For Trump of all people to admonish someone against triggering a WW III is really intriguing. For, it was Trump, in pursuit of his isolationist agenda that started the dismemberment of global order by breaking every fabric of rule and regulation, aside pulling the US out of many of the international organisations that sought to promote universal values and unity. Trump’s attitude during the engagement really speaks to his inconsistent mindset. Another takeaway from the encounter was that Trump usually coils back when his victims fight back in equal measure. A trait, other world leaders should leverage on when it comes to engaging with the American President. The strategy is, never give him an inch!

The bully in Trump couldn’t work against Zelensky. The “art of negotiation” failed him, too. In the end planned mineral mining deal could not be signed as well. Americans and indeed the whole world were left in shock at how empty and shallow President Trump turned out to be. A dejavu of his political campaign times.The mediocrity and poor application of “power” in diplomacy by the American president should be a cause for global worry. Trump, phase two, is “bad market” in Nigerian a parlance.

The build-up to the Oval Office showdown wasn’t less checkered either. Trump had wanted to pull a first one on Ukraine and its European sympathisers. He arranged a “peace” meeting to find a solution to the Ukraine-Russia crisis but without Kyiv’s participation. Naturally, Ukraine felt sidelined and dully said so. The EU lent its voice by saying that next time, there should be “no talk about Ukraine/Europe, without Europe/Ukraine.” Trump got livid and called Zelensky a dictator, who may soon have “no country” left.

He accused the EU of being ineffective, even though the region has been behind the major global wars in history. Zelensky shot back by saying Trump was living in “disinformation space.” That was the forerunner to the ill-fated diplomatic talks that were meant to find peace between Russia and Ukraine, under Trump’s brokerage. The current bad blood may also not be unconnected with infamous call between the two in 2019 which led to Trump’s impeachment inquiry. The import of callwas for Zelenskyl to provide an incriminating expose’ on alleged criminal bussiness dealings of Biden’s son Hunter, in Ukraine, which he refused. That was during the build-up to the 2019 elections in which Trump lost. He never forgave Zelensky.

Racism and institutional discrimination brought Trump back to power after a four-year hiatus. It’s however, unlikely that the same primordial sentiments could keep him comfortably in the driver’s seat. Not when his flawed character kept kicking in at every step of the governance way. Trump is a man in search of validation; an unsure character, and a pretender who suffers a reverse inferior complex.

Trump wants to be seen as an intellectual even when he comes across as less than average, intellectually. He wants to go down in history as a great ruler, forgetting that greatness is not measured in tantrums. Great leaders are those who do ordinary things in an extraordinary way with the greatest sustainable impact on society. Many may argue that Trump as a successful businessman, has been more than primed for the role of a political leadership. In reality, except for few overlapping elements, the ability to build a business empire is not a substitute for political craftsmanship. The values, sentiments, expectations etc characterising the two terrains are poles apart. One may handle business “solo,” but success in politics needs team spirit.

Trump is not a team player, unlike the great world leaders he has been posturing for a seat among. He visualises himself in mold of great American and indeed world leaders such as Lincoln, Roosevelt, Kennedy, Reagan, Churchill, Thatcher, etc. Unfortunately, he lacks the philosophical depths, moral values, and emotional intelligence to achieve such an ambition.

Trump is a lover of politics, but he seems to be a conflicted student of the process. He often confuses two major concepts of politics, which are power and influence and the interplay of the two. Power, literally is the ability/capacity to force an action to be taken willingly or otherwise. Influence, on the other hand, has to do more with persuation and appeal. The application of either or a combination of both is a function of the situation at hand; contextual. While political actors seek to spread their influence at all time, they use power sparingly to enforce compliance.

For Trump, its all about raw power all the time. Maybe because of his background in a family business that was built on sole proprietorship where they could lock out other races from being part thereof. A situation where one person’s words are law with little direct check and balance; a free rein that has put his public service life in jeopardy. For, at the time of being sworn in on January 20th 2025, Trump was convicted on about 34 felony counts. He was also one of two US presidents to be impeached. He might have gotten away with baggage, but his place among American greats, which he strives to achieve, may, after all, turn out to be a mirage.

The deluge of executive orders (EOs) being heeped on Americans daily may prove unwieldy, in facilitating good governance. Trump signed about 26 EOs on day one of being sworn on. About six weeks later, the number has surpassed 75! This has put a lot of departments in confusion, as some of the orders are conflicting. His drive for efficiency in public service through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with hot-headed merverick, South Africa born Elon Musk, in charge, only added to the confusion. Musk, the world’s richest man who made his fortunes from ICT, treats government employees as AI-driven beings, prompting the Department of Justice (DOJ) to put a hold on some of the orders.

The worst hit groups have been the minorities and immigrants. Spurred by racist sentiments, Trump and Musk are poised to eliminate minority programmes such as the DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). Even those already in employment are not safe. Trump being an unrepentant or rather unrepentable racist bigot, blamed the unfortunate crash involving two aircrafts over the Potomac River near Washington on the presence of minorities in the aviation industry. Not done, Trump fired Gen. CQ Brown, one of only two people in history, of black extraction to serve as Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US forces. The other was the late Collin Powell who served under Bush. Brown’s crime was that, he might have been appointed to the position based on qouta. And the witch hunt goes on or so it seems. He however deserves a big salute for outlawing LGBTQ+, a moral perversion promoted by Obama and Biden governments.

The American foreign policy under Trump too, seems to be in a mess. The isolationist approach (America First, Make America Great Again) seems to be in direct contrast to a fast globalising world. Globalisation underpinned by interdependence through trade, finance, investment, and technology had turned the world into a “global village.” And the village administrator (s) include the US, China, and Russia.

The Trump policy of isolationism at best benefits the other two global claimants to the Super power space. Pulling out of such multilateral organisations like ICC, UNESCO, Paris Agreement on cl
Climate Change, Iran Nuclear Deal, WHO, etc great hegemony for global power contenders, that may hurt America’s future. The icing on the foreign blunder was the right/downsizing the operations of USAID, an international outreach involved in promoting America’s national interests using such clandestine operations like intelligence gathering as well as supporting non-state actors against adversaries.

Tariff has been a priority choice for Trump’s foreign economic policy components. After placing a 25% rate on its immediate neighbours, Mexico and Canada, he has placed between 15% and 20% rates on Chinese import. The countries concerned have reacted similarly. A tariff war is now on. Experts estimate that the new tariffs could add $172 in tax burden on the individual US household and also reduce the US GDP by $200 billion, eventually. A global trade war is an ill wind that blows no good to any country.

To compound the US foreign policy further, Trump came up with a bizarre territorial ambitions. He offered to purchase the Greenland from Finland and also expressed his desire to make Canada, America’s 51st state. He threatened to repossesse the Panama Canal because in his informed opinion the Chinese have taken ever the canal usage.

Another foreign policy blunder under Trump was his proposal to move the 2.5 million inhabitants of Gaza to neighbouring Egypt and Jordan for America to turn the strip into what he referred to as the Riveira of the Middle East. He naively believes that this arrangement would solve the Palestine- Israel perennial conflicts permanently. The Biden administration might not have done much for the Palestinians but supplanting them from Gaza is to take absurdity to the extreme. Not done, and probably acting out an Elon Musk script, Trump accused the South Africa government anti-white discrimination under it’s land redistribution programme. All the moves were pushed back in no uncertain terms across the globe.

.Put together, Trump seems to suffer from a challenged mindset that does not allow him to act according to his age and status. The plethora of crisis he creates both at home and abroad render him more as a psychopath. A big thank you to President Zelensky for demystifying the Trump persona. Henceforth, leaders across the world should stand with him toe to toe because that’s the only language he understands. He recoils under threat. Under the image of a tough guy, Trump is highly vulnerable to manipulation such as currently by Putin and Musk. He doesn’t really have a mind of his own when it comes to serious national and international challenges. He lacks focus and gravitas too.

America and indeed the free world has been sold a trojan house. Unfortunately they will have to live with the choice for the next four years. A price they have to pay for having a near 80 years bumkum on the White House, who too may not be enjoying the power so gotten by him. A case of “beauty can get a woman married, but it takes character and intuition to make the marriage a happy one.” So is national leadership.
A.G.Abubakar agbarewa@gmail.com

Zelensky vs Trump: When Character And Ego Stretched Diplomacy Beyond Elastic Limit

Sudan Accuses Kenya of Running Contrary to International Law by Giving Tacit Support to RSF

By: Michael Mike

Sudanese government has expressed displeasure at the action of Kenya government for allegedly acting contrary to international law and position by given tacit support to Sudanese militias.

The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said it “regrets the Kenyan government’s disregard for its obligations under international law, the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide by hosting the event of signing a so-called “political agreement” between the terrorist Janjaweed militia—responsible for
ongoing acts of genocide in Sudan—and its affiliated individuals and groups.”

The statement added that: “Given that the stated objective of this agreement is to establish a parallel government on part of Sudanese territory, this move promotes the dismembering of African states, violates their sovereignty, and interferes in their internal affairs.

“This is, therefore, a clear breach of the UN Charter, the Constitutive Act of the
African Union, and the established principles of the contemporary international
order.

“Furthermore, hosting leaders of the terrorist RSF militia and allowing them to
conduct political and propaganda activities—while they continue to perpetrate
genocide, massacre civilians on an ethnic basis, attack IDP camps, and commit
acts of rape—constitutes an endorsement of and complicity in these heinous
crimes.

“Equally, this action by the Kenyan government not only violates the principles
of good neighborliness but also contravenes the pledges Kenya has made at the
highest levels not to allow hostile activities against Sudan to be carried out on its
soil. It is, therefore, tantamount to an act of hostility against the entire Sudanese
people.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that this propaganda stunt will have no
impact on the ground, as the Sudanese Armed Forces, along with joint and
supporting forces—backed by the Sudanese people—remain resolute in their
determination to liberate every inch of Sudanese territory desecrated by the
terrorist militia and its foreign mercenaries.

“Their swift and continuous progress
toward this goal remains unabated.
While the Ministry calls on the international community to condemn this hostile
act by the Kenyan government, it affirms that it will take all necessary measures
to redress the balance.”

Further explaining the position of Sudan and its people on the action of Kenya government, the Media officer of the Embassy of Sunday in Nigeria ,Almoiz Mohamed said: “Sudan, its government, people and armed forces, have said their word: No to militias, no to a parallel government, no to any treasonous project, and what is so- called the political declaration, its fate is a disastrous failure.

“The RSF militia is working to achieve what it failed to achieve with weapons. The so called “parallel” government will not find the recognition it hopes for, and it does not have the capabilities to talk about possessing or seizing legitimacy, because it is based primarily on the militia rapid support rifle, which has been stained with blood, violations, crimes and rapes from Darfur to Khartoum.

In conclusion, am very confident, and many are confident, that it will fail.”

Sudan Accuses Kenya of Running Contrary to International Law by Giving Tacit Support to RSF

Bridging the Cancer prevention, diagnosis and care gaps in Lesotho

By: Michael Mike

In a country where cancer prevention, diagnosis, and care have historically been limited, the personal journeys of survivors like Maatang Chaka and Joalane Tsupaneare beacons of hope and resilience.

Tebo, a 49-year-old mother from Maseru District, and Joalane, a 19-year-old leukemia survivor, represent the strength and determination of many cancer patients in Lesotho. Their stories of survival and advocacy highlight the urgent need to bridge the gaps in cancer services in the nation.

Chaka’s battle with stage 3 breast cancer began in 2011 while she was working in the mines of Mokhotlong District. Reflecting on her journey, she recalls, “It started as a pain in my right breast. After a medical examination, I was told there was a lump. At that time, I didn’t know about cancer, so I couldn’t understand how serious my situation was.” Today, she finds joy in sharing her story to give hope and support to other cancer patients. Thanks to financial support from the Government of Lesotho, she sought treatment in South Africa. By 2018, Chakawas declared cancer-free.
For the 19-year-old childhood cancer survivor Joalane Tsupane, her cancer journey began at the tender age of one year when she was diagnosed with leukemia. As a young girl, she experienced constant body pain, hair loss, bleeding, fever, and loss of appetite. Supported by the Government of Lesotho, Tsupaneembarked on a long road to recovery and was declared cancer-free in 2019.

Tsupane points out a significant challenge: the knowledge gap about childhood cancer in the community. “There is a need to increase awareness about childhood cancer. Information should be made available for all, especially our parents,” she emphasizes.

Motsamai Kekeletso, a dedicated caregiver with Friends with Starlight Oasis of Hope Foundation, echoes this sentiment. Her organization provides palliative care to cancer patients. “I started helping people suffering from chronic diseases because I realized there was no home for the elderly in our community,” she explains. “I love taking care of cancer patients and feel fulfilled providing support in their most vulnerable state.”

In 2023, the Senkatana Oncology Clinic in Maseru District reported approximately 1,888 new cancer cases in Lesotho, with around 500 of them being cervical cancer cases. Addressing this growing concern, the Government of Lesotho, under the Ministry of Health, has commenced construction of the nation’s first Cancer Care facility. This new center will offer radiotherapy services, reducing patients’ need to seek treatment abroad.

During the 2025 World Cancer Day commemoration, Minister of Health Hon Selibe Mochoboroane announced, “The government of Lesotho is making strides in establishing a dedicated cancer treatment center to address these challenges. We are training medical professionals and support staff from within and outside Lesotho. With guidance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the center aims to be a state-of-the-art facility.”

Hon Mochoboroane also acknowledged the vital contributions of development partners, highlighting the successful administration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to about 93% of girls aged 9 to 14 in 2024. He added, “Development Partners are actively providing educational resources, equipment, and expert assistance to support the ministry’s efforts. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are crucial in reaching underserved communities, offering education and support services, including palliative care, to families in need.”
Dr. Innocent Nuwagira, World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative to Lesotho, stressed the importance of integrating cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and palliative care into broader health services to close the existing healthcare gaps.

He noted, “Between 30% – 50% of cancer deaths could be prevented by modifying or avoiding key risk factors like tobacco use, alcohol, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, chronic infections, and air pollution. While prevention is the most cost-effective long-term strategy, early detection and management are key to reducing cancer deaths.”

Manyathela Kheleli, Brand Marketing Manager, Communications and Sponsorships of Standard Lesotho Bank, announced that the bank had contributed 1.9 million maloti to support the construction of the cancer facility. He also called on other corporate entities to join in and make the project a reality.

With the new cancer facility, Lesotho’s cancer patients will no longer need to travel to South Africa or elsewhere for treatment and care, marking a significant step forward in the country’s healthcare journey.

Bridging the Cancer prevention, diagnosis and care gaps in Lesotho