Zelenskyy’s White House meeting ends in blowup with Trump and Vance over Ukraine’s future
AFriday meeting between US PresidentDonald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy started with polite exchangesbut quickly escalated into a heated argument. The confrontation, which unfolded publicly at the White House, was attended by international media. Reports indicate that the Ukrainian delegation was asked to leave after the clash, with the scheduled formal lunch left untouched.
Diplomacy debate sparks conflict
This marked the first meeting between the two leaders since Trump returned to office in January. Initially, handshakes and smiles were exchanged, but tensions rose when US Vice President J D Vance emphasized diplomacy as the path to resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The war began in 2022 when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine.
Vance took a swipe at former President Joe Biden, stating,
“For four years, the United States of America had a president who spoke tough on Putin, but he still invaded Ukraine. The key to peace and prosperity is diplomacy.”
He further argued that the US must engage in diplomatic efforts rather than making bold declarations without meaningful action.
Zelenskyy challenges US stance
In response, Zelenskyy pressed Vance with a pointed question, asking how diplomacy could stop Putin, who had occupied parts of Ukraine since 2014, including Crimea. He noted that past diplomatic efforts, including ceasefire agreements signed by France and Germany, had failed, and Putin had continued his aggression.
“From 2014 to 2022, the situation remained the same—people kept dying, and no one stopped him. We signed deals, but he broke them. What kind of diplomacy are you talking about?” Zelensky asked.
Vance countered by asserting that diplomacy could help end the destruction in Ukraine.
WATCH IN FULL: All 46 minutes of the Oval Office meeting between President Donald J. Trump and President Zelenskyy pic.twitter.com/L88QejnhRA
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 28, 2025
Verbal clash escalates
As the debate intensified, Vance criticized Zelensky for discussing such matters publicly in the Oval Office, suggesting it was disrespectful. He also accused Ukraine of forcing conscripts to the frontlines due to manpower shortages.
Zelenskyy then asked if Vance had ever been to Ukraine to see the situation firsthand. Vance dismissed the idea, saying he had seen enough through reports and accused Ukraine of engaging in propaganda.
The discussion grew more hostile when Zelenskyy insisted that everyone, including the US, faces challenges during wartime. His remarks triggered a strong response from Trump.
“Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel,” Trump snapped.
“You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel. We’re going to feel strong.”
Trump also accused Zelenskyy of gambling with global security, saying,
“You’re gambling with World War III. What you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country.”
Vance then pressed Zelenskyy to express gratitude to the US, asking whether he had said “thank you even once” during the meeting. Zelenskyy responded that he had thanked the US many times, but Trump insisted that Ukraine needed to show more appreciation.
Trump suggests Ukraine is dependent on US support
Trump further asserted that without American military aid, Ukraine’s war efforts would collapse quickly.
“Without our equipment, this war would have been over in two weeks,” Trump stated.
Zelenskyy countered, “I heard similar claims from Putin, saying it would be over in three days.”
The exchange ended with Trump expressing frustration, saying,
“You’re buried there. Your people are dying. And you tell us you don’t want a ceasefire? You’re not acting thankful.”
Trump concluded the nearly 40-minute meeting by remarking, “This is going to be great television.”
Trump reacts on Social Media
Following the argument, Trump took to social media, stating that Zelensky “can come back when he is ready for peace.”
He wrote on X, “Much was learned today under pressure. It’s clear that Zelensky is not ready for peace if America is involved. He disrespected the United States in the Oval Office. He can return when he is ready for peace.”
“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if… pic.twitter.com/CtnqXBNcW3
— President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) February 28, 2025
Calls for apology and Zelenskyy’s response
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later suggested that Zelenskyy should apologize for the confrontation, saying,
“He should apologize for wasting our time with a meeting that ended the way it did.”
However, Zelenskyy refused to apologize, telling Fox News, “I’m not sure we did anything wrong.”
Although he admitted he wished the exchange had not happened in front of reporters, he emphasized that US-Ukrainian relations go beyond individual leaders and that Ukraine still needs Washington’s support against Russia.
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