A tense confrontation occurred between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, signaling rising uncertainty for Ukraine. Trump has consistently criticized U.S. aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, and recent conversations with Vladimir Putin have raised concerns. During the meeting, Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Zelensky of ingratitude for U.S. support, suggesting he might return only when ready for peace. Analysts flagged this altercation as unsurprising given Trump’s history with Ukraine. European leaders expressed concern, calling for a re-evaluation of leadership in the transatlantic alliance amid fears of diminished U.S. support for Ukraine.
Washington, United States:
The intense confrontation between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Friday was surprising yet not wholly unforeseen, according to analysts, as the path ahead for Kyiv appears increasingly precarious.
US President Trump has been a longstanding critic of the substantial aid the United States has provided to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, and he had pledged — without elaboration — to bring an end to the conflict shortly after assuming office.
On February 12, he engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, seemingly initiating peace talks without Ukraine’s involvement — a move that incensed Kyiv and startled European leaders.
Following that, Zelensky and Washington’s European partners have urged Trump to offer security assurances for any ceasefire, to ensure that there are repercussions if either party violates it.
However, Trump has declined to clarify whether he would extend such guarantees, claiming that Putin “respects” him enough not to breach any agreement.
On Friday, tensions flared after Trump and his vice president, JD Vance, charged Zelensky with not being “grateful” enough for US assistance.
“He can return when he is prepared for peace,” stated Trump, with his press secretary indicating that the Ukrainian leader and his team were requested to leave the White House following the Oval Office confrontation.
Brian Finucane, a senior advisor at the International Crisis Group (ICG), remarked that Friday’s meeting was likely to be fraught with tension.
“The behavior of the President and Vice President in the Oval Office was extraordinary, yet not entirely unexpected given President Trump’s well-documented sentiments regarding US military support for Ukraine and the narrative about Russia’s invasion that he has endorsed,” he noted.
When questioned, Trump and his administration have consistently refrained from attributing blame to Moscow for initiating the war.
On Friday, Trump seemed to suggest that he was refraining from criticizing Putin as negotiations were still underway.
‘Inevitable fallout’
Ukrainian political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko informed AFP that numerous US actions under Trump indicated that such a fallout was impending.
He listed factors including US pressure on Ukraine, how American officials characterize Zelensky, Washington’s perception of the Ukraine-Russia situation, and its stance towards ceasefire negotiations.
“All of this illustrates that this rift, this explosion, was destined to occur sooner or later,” he remarked.
The future remains uncertain, but it could spell trouble for Ukraine, according to ICG’s Finucane.
“There are reports from the administration suggesting it may scale back arms deliveries to Ukraine currently authorized under presidential drawdown authority,” he indicated.
These arms shipments had been approved by former US President Joe Biden as he exited office, seemingly aimed at solidifying billions in additional aid ahead of Trump’s inauguration.
In an interview with Fox News after the tense meeting at the White House, Zelensky acknowledged that it would be “challenging” for Ukraine to fend off Russian forces without US backing.
However, he expressed optimism that Kyiv’s connection with Washington could be redeemed — but emphasized that he wanted Trump to be “truly more on our side.”
In Europe, Friday’s events were met with concern, as several EU nations — including France, Germany, and Britain — quickly reaffirmed their support for Ukraine.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas offered an even bolder statement, seemingly challenging the American leadership of the transatlantic partnership between European nations and Washington.
“Today, it became evident that the free world requires a new leader. It is our responsibility, as Europeans, to confront this challenge,” she posted on social media.
More than a dozen European leaders are scheduled to convene in London on Sunday to deliberate on the ongoing war in Ukraine.
A special European summit dedicated to Ukraine has also been scheduled for March 6 by European Council President Antonio Costa.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)