One bad meeting could mark the end of Ukraine

On February 28th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in Washington and set to sign a mineral rights deal with the United States. It was meant to be the first step in a lasting peace but the deal hit an unprecedented roadblock. 

The Kyiv Independent reported President Zelensky and President Donald Trump held a 45-minute press briefing in the Oval Office that ended in a heated argument between the two leaders. It ultimately led to Zelensky being asked to leave the White House.

Accoridng to a transcript of the Oval Office press briefing published by the New York Times, the blowout argument seemed to begin with Vice President JD Vance when he made a statement about the United States taking a diplomatic approach with Russia to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.  

Zelensky attempted to outline why a ceasefire with Moscow wouldn’t work, explaining the history of past Russian aggression against Ukraine which ended with Zelensky asking Vance about what kind of diplomacy he was talking about. 

“I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country” Vance replied visibly irritated according to a report from The Kyiv Independent. 

"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 said.

"Right now, you guys are going around and forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems. You should be thanking the President for trying to bring an end to this conflict,” Vance continued.  

According to a transcript published by the New York Times, Zelensky asked Vance if he had seen the problems Ukraine was facing, to which Vance said he had before accusing Zelensky of going on a “propaganda tour” and continuing to berate Zelensky. 

Vance asked Zelensky if he realized Ukraine had problems getting soldiers into its military, to which Zelensky said Ukraine did. Then he asked if Zelensky thought It was respectful to attack the administration in the Oval Office. 

“A lot of questions. Let’s start from the beginning,” Zelensky said before adding: “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.”

It was this comment that seemed to enrage Trump, who quickly interjected and said in a raised voice: “Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. We’re trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel.”

“You’re in no position to dictate that. Remember this: You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel. We’re going to feel very good,” Trump continued. Adding that Ukraine was in a bad position and had no cards to play. 

Things continued to get more awkward. Trump accused Zelensky of gambling with the lives of millions and even gambling with World War III. Something he told Zelensky was very disrespectful to the United States. From there, things only got worse. 

Vance pointed out Zelensky had not said “thank you” once during their meeting, Trump said Ukraine was not winning the war, and things turned into an argument over whether or not Zelensky wanted to put a stop to the war and if Russia would honor a ceasefire. 

The meeting ended with Trump threatening Zelensky: 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.” 

According to CBS News, after the press briefing, Zelensky and other Ukrainian officials went to a separate room where they were asked to leave by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. 

Zelensky left without signing the mineral deal according to Reuters, which reported that a White House official claimed Trump was no longer interested in the deal with Ukraine at the moment. He later voiced his displeasire on Truth Social. 

Trump later posted about his argument with Zelensky on Truth Social in which he wrote he “determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved” and that “He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace.”

Photo Credit: Truth Social @realDonaldTrump

Zelensky was more magnanimous in his online response, posting on Twitter: “Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”

The heated meeting immediately drew criticism from both at home and abroad. World leaders have been rallying around Ukraine showing their support online, and Zelensky has been responding to support and thanking each leader individually. 

Photo Credit: X @ZelenskyyUa

What will happen next is unknown, but there are already concerns that the contentious press briefing may be used as a pretext by the Trump administration to halt all military and financial aid to Ukraine. 

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