IRIA News

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A high-stakes meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump ended in chaos on February 28, 2025, as the two leaders engaged in a fiery exchange in the Oval Office.

The meeting, which was intended to finalize a deal granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, quickly turned confrontational, resulting in Zelenskyy’s abrupt departure from the White House without signing the agreement. Zelenskyy left the White House after being told to go by the U.S. President at approximately 1:45 p.m. local time, skipping a joint press conference. The meeting had already been tense, with Trump and Zelenskyy clashing publicly while speaking with journalists.

Diplomacy turns into chaos

The initial purpose of Zelenskyy’s visit was twofold: to push for security assurances from the U.S. and to finalize a deal allowing the U.S. to access Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. The U.S. has been looking to secure alternative sources of these critical minerals to reduce its dependence on China.

From the outset, there were signs that the meeting would be contentious. As Trump greeted Zelenskyy outside the White House, he quipped about the Ukrainian leader’s black military-style outfit, a version of his usual wartime attire. “He’s all dressed up today,” Trump remarked.

Inside the Oval Office, Trump emphasized the proposed mineral deal, stating: “We’re going to sign the agreement at the conference in the East Room in a little while, right after lunch. We have something that is a very fair deal, and we look forward to getting in and digging, digging, digging and working and getting some of the rare earth.”

But Zelenskyy quickly made it clear that security assurances were a higher priority for Ukraine. “I hope that this document, this first document, will be the first step to real security guarantees for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy stated. “Our people, our children, are counting on it.”

Trump-Zelenskyy meetings turn into a shouting match

As tensions boiled over, the meeting devolved into a shouting match. Trump became increasingly aggressive, snapping at reporters and berating Zelenskyy. “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III,” Trump said. “You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country, this country.”

Zelenskyy tried to interject, emphasizing that Ukraine wanted peace. But Trump cut him off, accusing him of being ungrateful. “You have to be thankful. You don’t have the cards. You’re buried there. Your people are dying. You’re running low on soldiers,” Trump said. “I’ve empowered you to be a tough guy, and I don’t think you’d be a tough guy without the United States.”

Trump warns Zelenskyy he’s “gambling with World War III,” repeating “You don’t have the cards right now” after a disastrous White House meeting. He told the Ukrainian president to come back “when he is ready for peace”.pic.twitter.com/CqWOfGgLo7

— IRIA (@IRIA_Research) March 1, 2025

With that, the meeting ended abruptly. Zelenskyy left without signing the mineral deal, and the scheduled joint press conference was scrapped.

Trump accuses Zelesnkyy of disrespecting US

Shortly after Zelenskyy’s departure, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to express his frustration. “He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace,” Trump wrote.

A White House official later confirmed to reporters that Trump felt “disrespected” by Zelenskyy’s “rhetoric and demeanor” during the meeting. However, the official added that Trump was not entirely ruling out an agreement with Ukraine just yet, leaving it up to Kyiv to reschedule talks.

Trump and his administration’s frustration seemed to center around his perception that Zelenskyy was not sufficiently grateful for U.S. support. U.S. Vice President JD Vance directly confronted Zelenskyy about this, asking, “Have you said thank you once? In this entire meeting, have you said thank you?”

Zelenskyy later responded on social media, writing on X, “Thank you, America; thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you, POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”

Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people.
Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 28, 2025

Trump-Putin relations

One of the most contentious moments came when Trump brought up his recent direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has repeatedly stated that he believes a peace deal with Russia is necessary, even if it means Ukraine must make territorial concessions.

“We’ve had very good discussions with Putin, and we will bring this war to a close,” Trump said, reiterating his position that Ukraine is unlikely to regain its pre-2014 borders. He also dismissed Ukraine’s NATO aspirations as unrealistic.

Zelenskyy pushed back forcefully, warning that Trump’s approach could embolden Putin. “I count on your strong position to stop Putin,” he said. “I hope that together we can stop him. But for us, it’s very important to save our country, our values, our freedom, and democracy. And, of course, no compromises with the killer of our territories.”

Trump, however, suggested that Zelenskyy’s hostility toward Putin was preventing progress. “You see the hatred he’s got for Putin. That’s tough to make a deal with that kind of hate,” Trump said, gesturing toward Zelenskyy.

Trump then reiterated his belief that “compromises” were necessary for peace, implying that Ukraine might have to concede some of its occupied territories to end the war.

Zelenskyy, visibly frustrated, rejected this notion. “Putin will never stop. And he’ll go further and further. He hates us. It’s not about me. He hates Ukrainians. He thinks that we’re not a nation,” he said.

Global reactions to political fallout

The dramatic breakdown of the meeting sent shockwaves through Washington and beyond. Trump ally and vocal Ukraine supporter Lindsey Graham labeled the meeting an “utter disaster” and questioned future U.S. relations with Zelenskyy.

“I don’t know if we can ever do business with Zelenskyy again,” he said, suggesting the Ukrainian president should apologize to Trump or that Ukraine should “get someone new” to lead the country.

Top Democratic leaders condemned Trump’s handling of the talks. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of doing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “dirty work,” while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the exchange “appalling.” “The United States must not reward Russian aggression,” Jeffries stated. “We should stand with Ukraine until victory is won.”

Russia

Russian officials welcomed Trump’s stance. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, claimed that Trump had given Ukraine a “strong slap on the wrist.”

“For the first time, Trump told the cocaine clown the truth to his face: The Kyiv regime is playing with the Third World War. And the ungrateful pig received a strong slap on the wrist from the owners of the pigsty. This is useful. But it’s not enough – we must stop military aid to the Nazi machine,” Medvedev said.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, also praised Trump for showing “restraint” and criticized Zelenskyy, calling him a “scumbag.”

European Union

Following Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s argument with Donald Trump in the White House, European leaders showed massive support for Zelenskyy. They included the leaders of Germany, Spain, France, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, Estonia, Moldova, Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia, Czech Republic, Finland, Portugal, Croatia, the European Parliament, the European Commission and European Council.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with Ukraine, writing, “Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless.”

Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people.

Be strong, be brave, be fearless.
You are never alone, dear President @ZelenskyyUa.

We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 28, 2025

The bloc’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, stated, “Ukraine is Europe! We stand by Ukraine.” She added that Europe must take charge, declaring, “Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge.”

France: French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his stance, saying, “Russia is the aggressor” and that Ukraine was right to receive support. “Because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, their children, and the security of Europe,” he emphasized.

Germany: Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz reassured Ukraine of Germany’s continued support. “Ukraine can rely on Germany and Europe,” he said. Friedrich Merz, likely Germany’s next chancellor, also backed Ukraine, stating: “We stand with Ukraine in good and in testing times.”

Dear Volodymyr @zelenskyyua, we stand with #Ukraine in good and in testing times. We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war. (FM)

— Friedrich Merz (@_FriedrichMerz) February 28, 2025

United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with both Trump and Zelenskyy, reaffirming his support for Ukraine. “He retains his unwavering support for Ukraine and is playing his part to find a path forward to a lasting peace,” a Downing Street statement read.

Nordic Nations: Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere called Trump’s comments about Zelenskyy “deeply unreasonable.” Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen described the meeting as “a punch in the gut for Ukraine.”

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson declared, “Sweden stands with Ukraine. You are not only fighting for your freedom but also for all of Europe’s. Slava Ukraini!”

Sweden stands with Ukraine. You are not only fighting for your freedom but also for all of Europe’s. Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦

— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) February 28, 2025

Netherlands and Poland: Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp reassured Ukraine of continued support, stating, “Whatever it takes, for as long as it takes.” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sent a direct message to Ukraine: “Dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.”

Southern Europe: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro both reaffirmed their nations’ backing for Ukraine.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed an urgent summit between the U.S. and European leaders to discuss Ukraine. However, her deputy, Matteo Salvini, expressed support for Trump, urging an end to the war: “Aim for PEACE, stop this war!”

Hungary: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was among the few European leaders who supported Trump. “Strong men make peace; weak men make war. Today President Trump stood bravely for peace,” he wrote.

Canada: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized Ukraine’s fight for democracy and sovereignty, stating, “Their fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all.” Foreign Minister Melanie Joly urged NATO allies to remain united, saying, “We believe in supporting Ukraine. Our position has not changed.”

Baltic States: Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that the only barrier to peace was “Putin’s decision to continue his war of aggression.” Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda reassured Ukraine: “Ukraine, you’ll never walk alone.” Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa also reaffirmed Latvia’s support, saying, “Latvia stands with Ukraine.”

Czech Republic and Slovenia: Czech President Petr Pavel urged Europe to increase its support: “We stand with Ukraine more than ever. Time for Europe to step up its efforts.”

Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar condemned Trump’s handling of the meeting, stating, “Russia is the aggressor. It is time for Europe to take the lead on the path to peace in Ukraine.”

Ireland and Moldova: Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin reiterated Ireland’s full support for Ukraine during a meeting with Zelenskyy. Moldovan President Maia Sandu emphasized, “Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine defends its freedom – and ours.”

The truth is simple.

Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor.

Ukraine defends its freedom—and ours.

We stand with Ukraine.

— Maia Sandu (@sandumaiamd) February 28, 2025

Australia and New Zealand: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vowed to stand with Ukraine “for as long as it takes.” New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reaffirmed support, stating that Ukraine is not only defending itself but also upholding international law.

Amnesty International: The human rights group stressed that peace in Ukraine must be built on accountability. “Nothing that was said today in the Oval Office changes the facts: Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine was an act of aggression and a manifest violation of the UN Charter,” Amnesty International declared. The organization insisted that sustainable peace is only possible through justice for war crimes committed since 2014.

What’s next?

While the mineral deal remains unsigned, analysts say negotiations are not necessarily over. The meeting has deepened concerns about the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations under the Trump administration. With Trump openly questioning continued military aid and advocating for direct peace talks with Putin, Ukraine’s leadership faces increasing uncertainty. Zelenskyy is now headed to London for further discussions with European allies. Whether the U.S. and Ukraine can mend their strained relationship remains to be seen.