Trump-Zelenksyy Meeting Ends in Chaos, Rift Deepens

WASHINGTON, SATURDAY - The talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and United States (US) President Donald Trump, along with his deputy JD Vance, ended in a heated argument in front of the media.

The talks ended without a deal. Trump pressed Zelenskyy for an immediate ceasefire.

After a heated meeting in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday (28/2/2025) local time, Trump threatened Zelenskyy to make peace or lose U.S. support in the war with Russia. However, he doubted Zelenskyy's intention to pursue peace.

"He is not someone who wants to make peace," said Trump, a few hours after the two had a controversial meeting in the Oval Office. "I want a ceasefire now," he emphasized.

Trump stated that he believes Putin is ready for a peace agreement. In a heated debate with Zelenskyy, Trump defended Putin several times. According to Trump, Putin has endured many difficulties during the three-year-long war.

"Putin has experienced many difficulties with me; he went through a fake witch hunt," said Trump, referring to the investigation during his first term regarding allegations that his 2016 election campaign colluded with Moscow.

"You can implement a ceasefire immediately, and the bullets will stop flying, and your people will no longer be killed," said Trump while pointing at Zelenskyy during a press conference after the meeting.

Zelenskyy refuses to back down. The two interrupted each other and argued with one another. Vance also pressured Zelenskyy by stating that he had been disrespectful to the US in front of US media. "Have you even once said thank you in this meeting? No," said Vance.

Separately, Zelenskyy said after the meeting that Ukraine would not enter peace talks with Russia until it received security guarantees against another attack, adding that Friday's heated exchange with President Donald Trump was not good for either side.

The meeting also failed to produce a deal on rare earth minerals between Ukraine and the US. Zelenskyy had been invited to the White House to sign a deal that would have seen Ukraine ship rare earths to the US. The deal was intended to keep Trump on Ukraine's side.

I want a ceasefire now.

In the debate, Zelenskyy said that Trump needs to understand that Ukraine cannot change its attitude towards Russia in an instant.

“Your country is in a very difficult situation, you have nothing to dictate to the United States,” Trump told Zelenskyy.

The beginning of the meeting actually went very well. The two leaders shook hands and exchanged polite greetings. For the first 40 minutes, they seemed to be talking politely.

But within minutes of the meeting, a diplomatic photo opportunity in the Oval Office turned into a heated exchange. For 11 minutes, Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vance’s endorsement, traded heated remarks.

What was supposed to be a step toward peace between Ukraine and Russia has quickly turned into a bitter standoff that leaves Kyiv's fate hanging increasingly uncertain without U.S. support.

US media outlets have called the Trump-Zelenskyy spat perhaps one of the most extraordinary scenes ever to take place in the Oval Office, long considered the sacred heart of the US presidency where American leaders entertain their foreign counterparts.

The spat began with Vance accusing Zelensky of being ungrateful for US support, in response to Zelenskyy questioning Vance's call for diplomacy with Moscow.

"I think it's rude of you to come into the Oval Office and make a claim in front of the American media," said Vance, sitting on a couch near the two leaders.

As the temperature rose, Zelenskyy folded his arms and asked Vance if he had been to Ukraine and had firsthand knowledge of the conditions. An angry Vance replied that Zelenskyy was on a propaganda tour. Trump was provoked and defended Vance.

When Zelensky said that despite being across the ocean from Europe, the US would suffer if it didn't help Kyiv, "Don't tell us what we're going to suffer," Trump said, raising his voice.

After that, a heated argument ensued. Zelenskyy-Trump tensions have been simmering since Trump spoke with Putin on February 12, 2025. Since then, Trump has been insulting Zelenskyy as an unelected dictator and accusing him of not wanting peace.

"You are risking the lives of millions of people. You are risking World War III, and what you are doing is very disrespectful to this country," Trump said during the Oval Office debate.

Red-faced and furious, Trump pointed at Zelensky. Trump even slapped Zelensky's upper arm as the two interrupted each other.

When Zelensky asked if he could answer, Trump said no. "No, no, you've said a lot. Your country didn't win," he said.

As the exchange continued, reporters frantically filmed and tapped on their phones, while a Ukrainian diplomat buried his head in his hands. "You either make a deal or we're out," Trump told Zelensky.

He then halted the meeting and asked reporters to leave. About an hour later, Zelensky abruptly left the White House and the mineral deal signing ceremony was canceled.

In Moscow, the Kremlin rubbed its hands and praised Trump's tough stance on Zelenskyy.

European leaders expressed support and showed solidarity with Zelenskyy. In no time, prime ministers and presidents on the continent posted their support on social media.

While they did not directly criticize the US president, their comments made it clear they were supporting Kyiv, deepening a major rift between the US and Europe, which were once close allies in supporting Ukraine.

"There is an aggressor: Russia. There are those attacked: Ukraine," French President Emmanuel Macron said in a post on X.

"Respect to those who, from the beginning, have fought. Because they fought for their dignity, their freedom, for their children, and for the security of Europe," said Macron, who had met Trump just days earlier.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk was one of the first to show his support for Zelenskyy and Ukraine on social media. "You are not alone," he said.

Two top EU officials, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa also posted their support.

"Your dignity honors the courage of the Ukrainian people. Stay strong, courageous, fearless. You are never alone. We will continue to work with you for a just and lasting peace," they said.

From Berlin, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said no one wants peace more than the Ukrainian people.

German conservative leader Friedrich Merz, Scholz's likely successor after his party won last Sunday's general election, also gave his support.

"We support Ukraine in good times and in difficult times. We must not equate aggressors and victims in this terrible war," he said.

In Italy, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed a middle way, suggesting a summit of the U.S., European countries and allies to discuss how to address today’s major challenges, starting with Ukraine.

"Every division in the West makes us all weaker and benefits those who want to see the decline of our civilization," said Meloni, who supports Ukraine but is also close to Trump.

In contrast, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas bluntly stated that Washington can no longer lead the free world.

"Today, it is clear that the free world needs new leaders. It is up to us, Europeans, to take up this challenge," he said.

Kallas said he would increase support to Ukraine so that it could continue to fight the aggressor.

Leaders from Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden were also among those expressing support for Ukraine.

But Hungarian nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a Trump ally, has backed Trump. "Strong people make peace, weak people make war," he wrote in X.

"Today President @realDonaldTrump stood up bravely for peace. Even though it was hard for many to accept. Thank you, Mr. President!" he said. (AP/AFP/Reuters)