- Trump and Zelenskyy’s Oval Office meeting turns tense.
- Proposed US-Ukraine minerals deal remains unsigned.
- Trump criticizes Ukraine’s stance on the Russia conflict.
- European leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine.
- Future of US military aid to Ukraine remains uncertain.
Washington, D.C., February 28, 2025 — A White House meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ended in a tense exchange, leaving a proposed minerals deal in limbo and casting doubt on the future of US military aid to Ukraine.
The meeting, originally aimed at securing a US-Ukraine minerals agreement, quickly turned into a heated discussion. Trump accused Zelenskyy of prolonging the war with Russia, while Zelenskyy emphasized the need for continued support and security guarantees.
Key Moments from the Meeting
During the discussion, Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy for what he perceived as a lack of gratitude toward US assistance. “I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media,” Vance remarked. In response, Zelenskyy stressed Ukraine’s sacrifices and commitment to defending its sovereignty.
The disagreement led to the cancellation of a planned joint press conference, leaving the future of a minerals deal — which would have given the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth resources — uncertain.
Uncertainty in US-Ukraine Relations
After the meeting, European leaders once again stood firmly with Ukraine. German Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz cautioned against shifting blame, saying, “We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.” Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reached out to Zelenskyy, reassuring him of their continued support for Ukraine’s defense.
At the same time, Trump’s stance has raised serious concerns about future US military aid to Ukraine. He made it clear that further assistance would depend on Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate with Russia. “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,” Trump stated.
Because of this, Ukraine now faces an even tougher challenge. The country already relies heavily on foreign military support to push back against Russian aggression. On top of that, the stalled minerals deal only adds more uncertainty to Ukraine’s long-term strategy, making it even harder to plan for the future.
Meanwhile, in the US, reactions to the meeting have been sharply divided. Most Republican lawmakers backed Trump’s approach, calling for more diplomacy and a fresh look at military aid. On the other hand, Democratic leaders strongly criticized him, warning that abandoning Ukraine could have serious consequences. With tensions rising and key decisions ahead, the world is watching closely.