Author:
Szymon Tochowicz
Diplomacy and Business Negotiations: Lessons from the Trump-Zelensky Meeting on the minerals deal
“Diplomacy is more than saying or doing the right things at the right time; it is avoiding saying or doing the wrong things at any time.” – Bo Bennett
The recent meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky serves as a striking example of how personal bias, ego, and lack of preparation can derail high-stakes negotiations. Instead of focusing on a strategic deal, both leaders allowed past grievances and emotional reactions to dictate the conversation, turning what should have been a diplomatic discussion into a public clash.
What Went Wrong?
- Poor Preparation – Critical gaps in communication, absence of an interpreter, and a misaligned agenda created unnecessary obstacles. Preparation is the foundation of any negotiation, and missing key logistical details can quickly derail discussions.
- Personal Over Professional – Instead of calculated diplomacy, the conversation was marked by emotional reactions. Leaders and negotiators alike must separate personal feelings from strategic objectives to achieve meaningful outcomes.
- Public Confrontation Instead of Private Leverage – When sensitive negotiations are played out in front of the press, control over the narrative is lost. The best deals are often struck behind closed doors, where both sides can explore options without the pressure of public scrutiny.
The Business Parallel
In the corporate world, negotiations require preparation, emotional discipline, and strategic discretion. The same principles apply whether closing a multimillion-dollar deal or engaging in high-stakes diplomacy. If one side prioritizes public spectacle over private strategy, the outcome is unlikely to be favorable.
For someone like Trump, who prides himself on being a dealmaker, the question remains: Why didn’t he separate business from personal bias? And why wasn’t Zelensky better prepared for the inevitable confrontations?
The Takeaway for Negotiators
Leaders and negotiators must remember that success often hinges on what happens before discussions even begin. The best moves are made in preparation rooms—not in front of cameras.
Should diplomacy be treated like business? And is there just one side to blame for how this meeting unfolded?
At Eveneum, we emphasize that effective negotiations require a combination of strategy, preparation, and emotional control. Learn more about how we help businesses navigate complex negotiations with a structured and results-driven approach.
Szymon Tochowicz
Purchasing director, aerospace engine design engineer
With 20 years of experience in strategic sourcing, he has been leading consulting and training projects for the past 6 years, with 80% of them tailored to specific client requirements. Throughout his career, he has managed direct and indirect purchasing teams at national, European, and global levels. At Eveneum, he specializes in negotiation-focused training projects and developing long-term strategies for client-supplier collaboration. In the advisory field, he supports clients in process optimization and preparing their purchasing organizations for an increasing scope of responsibilities and duties. Lecturer at the European Institute of Purchasing Management in France.
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