Trump, accompanied by Vice President JD Vance, accused Zelenskyy of mishandling the ongoing war with Russia and blamed him for escalating the conflict. In response, Zelenskyy stood firm, rejecting Trump’s narrative and highlighted Russia’s continued aggression since 2014.
Trump gives ultimatum: “Make a deal or we’re out”
During the meeting, Trump warned Zelenskyy that Ukraine was in a weak negotiating spot, urging him to settle with Russia.
“You’re gambling with World War III,” Trump declared as the discussion grew more heated with his stark ultimatum to the visiting guest in the Oval Office:
“You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty, but you’ll fight it out.”
The remark of POTUS, if anything, signals a potential shift in US policy toward Ukraine, raising concerns about the continued American support for Kiev.
JD Vance clashes with Zelenskyy over US support
Vice President JD Vance also joined the confrontation, questioning whether Zelenskyy had expressed sufficient gratitude for American aid.
“Mr. President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media,” Vance told Zelenskyy. He also criticised Ukraine’s conscription policies and the country’s manpower struggles.
Zelenskyy pushed back, highlighting the devastation in Ukraine and questioning whether Vance had ever witnessed the destruction firsthand.
“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,” Zelenskyy responded.
Trump then intervened again, reinforcing Vance’s position and telling Zelenskyy, “Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. We’re trying to solve a problem.”
Zelenskyy calls Putin a “Terrorist”
Amid the escalating tensions, Zelenskyy made strong statements against Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I really count on your strong position to stop Putin,” he told Trump. “He is a killer and a terrorist. But I hope that together we can stop him.”
The statement contrasted with Trump’s more neutral stance on Putin. While Trump has labeled Zelenskyy a “dictator,” he has refrained from using similar language toward Putin.
Instead, he emphasised that he was acting in the best interests of the United States, stating, “I’m not aligned with Putin. I’m not aligned with anybody. I’m aligned with the United States of America.”
Meeting ends abruptly, Zelenskyy asked to leave
Following the intense exchanges, the White House cancelled a planned joint press conference where the two leaders were set to sign a minerals agreement. Trump later posted on social media, stating:
“I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 28, 2025
Zelenskyy also shared a brief message on social media, expressing gratitude for the American people and reiterating his commitment to a “just and lasting peace.”
The Trump-Zelenskyy Oval Office meltdown has raised fresh concerns about the future of US-Ukraine relations, with diplomatic tensions at an all-time high.
