Trump-Zelensky Meeting (February 28, 2025)

The Trump-Zelenskiy meeting was a diplomatic encounter held in Washington on 28 February 2025 between the President of the United States Donald Trump and the President of Ukraine Ukraine Volodimir Zelenskiy, which concluded with negotiations and disagreements.

The meeting centered on the conditions of U.S. aid to Ukraine, the peace process and the terms of a potential ceasefire agreement, but ended earlier than expected due to disagreements between the two sides.

Background of the Meeting

At the beginning of 2025, Donald Trump, who resumed the presidency in the United States, adopted a policy of reviewing aid to Ukraine and pursuing diplomatic steps to end the war. The Trump administration argued that Ukraine should reach a peace agreement with Russia and suggested that the United States could act as a mediator in this process. Trump’s negotiations with Russia and Ukraine without the participation of European allies were met with concern in Ukraine and across Europe.

In response to these developments, Volodimir Zelenskiy visited Washington to seek clarity on the continuation of U.S. support for Ukraine and on security guarantees.

Course of the Meeting

Zelenskiy met with Donald Trump at the White House, and the discussion began in the Oval Office with the participation of their respective advisors. Although an initial diplomatic tone was adopted, the meeting soon escalated into heated arguments. The discussion initially followed its planned course, but tensions rose when Zelenskiy criticized U.S. administrations, particularly those preceding Trump, for failing to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin. In response, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, present at the meeting, stated, “Mr. President, I believe it is disrespectful of you to come to the Oval Office to try to bring this issue to the forefront of the American media.”

Discussion on U.S. Support for Ukraine

During the meeting in the Oval Office, U.S. President Donald Trump accused Zelenskiy of not showing sufficient gratitude for the aid provided by the United States to Ukraine. Trump reminded Zelenskiy of U.S. military assistance, saying, “If we had not provided our military equipment, this war would have ended within two months. I gave you Javelin missiles so you could destroy all those tanks. You should be more grateful to us because you have no cards left. When we were here, you had no cards at all, but now you have cards while we do not.”

At this point, U.S. Vice President JD Vance interjected by telling Zelenskiy that Ukraine did not have enough troops to continue the war. Zelenskiy replied, “Have you ever been to my country? Come and see for yourself.”

Zelenskiy affirmed his gratitude toward the United States but emphasized that the core issue was Ukraine’s security. He stated, “We will never accept a ceasefire without guarantees. We will not make peace without security assurances.” He underscored Ukraine’s openness to diplomatic efforts to end the war, while noting that Russia’s past violations must be taken into account.

Failure of the Rare Earth Elements Agreement

During the meeting, the rare earth elements agreement planned to be signed between the United States and Ukraine was also discussed. Trump emphasized that this agreement was of critical importance to the United States and insisted that Ukraine must reach a consensus on the matter. He said, “We will sign the rare earth elements agreement. This partnership with Ukraine will be a landmark deal and a major commitment by the United States.”

Zelenskiy countered that the agreement could not be treated merely as an economic arrangement but must include security guarantees for Ukraine. He stated that the current draft was insufficient and stressed that the United States must respond to Ukraine’s security demands. No agreement was reached on this issue, and Trump announced the suspension of the deal.

Disagreement on Diplomatic Process with Russia

Donald Trump stressed that Ukraine must reach a ceasefire with Russia, saying, “We must first agree on the terms, and now we are beginning to define the boundaries of the agreement.” Trump claimed to have held direct talks with Putin and argued that this process could lead to a peace agreement.

Zelenskiy, however, pointed out that Russia had repeatedly violated past peace agreements, reminding Trump that Putin had broken ceasefire deals 25 times. Trump countered by asserting that Putin had honored his commitments to him personally and maintained that Putin kept his word with him.

As tensions mounted in the Oval Office, Trump told Zelenskiy, “Either you sign this agreement or we are out. We are trying to solve a problem. Do not tell us how to feel. You are playing with the Third World War and this is disrespectful to our country.”

Trump also criticized Zelenskiy’s attitude toward the United States, saying, “Your country is in deep trouble. You know this. You are being disrespectful to us, and you know you cannot win without us.”

Following these remarks, the press conference was canceled and Zelenskiy left the White House. In a statement on Truth Social after the meeting, Trump assessed the encounter as follows: “Today we held a very meaningful meeting at the White House. We learned many important facts that could never have been revealed under such pressure. I determined that President Zelenskiy is not ready for peace even with U.S. involvement. He showed disrespect to the valuable Oval Office. He can return when he is ready for peace.”

Zelenskiy, in a statement released via his official channels, said, “Thank you America, thank you for your support. Thank you for this visit. Thank you to the President, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs a fair and lasting peace, and we are working for it.”

International Reactions

Following the meeting, the European Union, NATO and various countries reaffirmed their support for Ukraine.

• French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Russia’s attacks on Ukraine and affirmed France’s solidarity with Ukraine.
• German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that Ukraine could count on Europe’s support.
• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed during a meeting with Zelenskiy that Britain would continue its support for Ukraine.
• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “Today it has become clear that the free world needs a new leader,” emphasizing the need for Europe to assume a stronger leadership role.

Meanwhile, Russia welcomed the outcome of the meeting as favorable to its interests. Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev claimed that Trump had delivered a “diplomatic blow” to Zelenskiy. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that “Trump and Vance showed great restraint.”

Following the meeting, uncertainty emerged in Ukraine’s relations with the United States, while European countries announced their intention to increase support.