On February 28, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump clashed publicly at the White House over Ukraine’s war with Russia. Zelenskiy sought U.S. support, but Trump and Vice President JD Vance pushed for diplomacy, with Trump accusing Zelenskiy of disrespecting the U.S. and being unwilling to make peace.
Trump threatened to withdraw U.S. support unless Ukraine negotiated with Russia, telling Zelenskiy, “You don’t have the cards.” Zelenskiy refused to compromise with “a killer” like Putin, while Vance criticized him for not showing gratitude.
A natural resources deal between Ukraine and the U.S. was left unsigned. The agreement would have given the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth but lacked security guarantees, disappointing Kyiv. Trump argued that U.S. business presence would serve as a guarantee.
Trump’s shift away from European security commitments has alarmed Kyiv and its allies, raising fears that Ukraine could be forced into a Russia-favored peace deal. Trump, aiming to end the war and improve U.S.-Russia relations, criticized Zelenskiy’s leadership, calling him a “dictator.”
