During a tense meeting in the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodyr Zelensky engaged in a heated argument regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump admonished Zelensky, insisting, “either make a deal or we are out,” while Zelensky countered, highlighting his nation’s resilience and U.S. support. The exchange escalated, with both leaders taking jabs at each other, including Trump accusing Zelensky of being ungrateful. The US Vice President attempted to mediate but was soon drawn into the dispute. The meeting ended without a peace deal, delaying hopes for a ceasefire as tensions remained high.
Washington DC:
Shortly after the meeting commenced between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, a heated exchange erupted in the Oval Office. In a loud and firm tone, President Trump warned Mr. Zelensky that he “either makes a deal or we are out”.
“You are in serious trouble…you are not winning this,” he asserted.
President Zelensky matched his tone, responding, “We are on our own soil, and we have demonstrated strength all along. We have expressed our gratitude for your support,” prompting the US Vice President to ask, “in this meeting?”.
However, a startling shouting match broke out between the two leaders as the international press looked on in disbelief. “I’m concerned that dealing in this manner will complicate things significantly,” President Trump remarked, as hopes for a peace agreement in Ukraine hung by a thread.
“You’re betting with the lives of millions. You’re gambling on World War Three, and your actions are very disrespectful to this nation,” Donald Trump added.
The argument soon included the US Vice President, as Zelensky took issue with his “loud talking”. Speaking firmly, Vice President JD Vance told President Zelensky that “diplomacy is essential” to conclude the war, but President Zelensky countered with “what kind of diplomacy?” Mr. Vance then accused him of being “disrespectful” in the presidential office.
Here’s a video of the remainder of the verbal sparring between Trump and Zelensky:
Holy cow! Check out this remark from Zelensky suggesting Trump is echoing Putin’s talking points:
Trump: “If you didn’t have our military equipment, this war would’ve been over in 2 weeks.”
Zelensky: “I heard it from Putin. In 3 days.”
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) February 28, 2025
While defending the Vice President, Donald Trump lashed out at President Zelensky, saying “We have provided you with $350 billion, military equipment, and significant support. If you didn’t have our military aid, this war would have ended in two weeks.”
In response, President Zelensky immediately fired back, indirectly suggesting Trump was reiterating Putin’s words, saying “yeah-yeah, wouldn’t have lasted even two or three days – I heard that from Putin too,”
Donald Trump, taken aback by Zelensky’s defiance, remarked “It is going to be extremely difficult to conduct business under these conditions,” as the critical minerals deal appeared to be slipping away. A failure to reach a deal would mean no ceasefire or agreement for peace. At this moment, several journalists were seen shaking their heads in dismay.
In an attempt to control the situation, the US Vice President intervened again, stating “There are disagreements. Let’s address those disagreements instead of battling it out in front of the American media while you are wrong. We know you (Zelensky) are wrong” – A few days prior, Donald Trump had labeled Zelensky a “dictator” and blamed him for “starting the war.”
Back in the Oval Office, Donald Trump immediately stated, “I believe it’s beneficial for the American public to witness what’s happening. That’s why I’ve kept this issue under wraps for so long. You need to acknowledge everything we (the US) have done. You simply don’t have the cards to go it alone.” Trump also took a moment to mention that “this is great TV”, attempting to ease the tension.
Almost chiding Zelensky, Trump said, “People are dying, your soldier numbers are dwindling, and then you tell us ‘I don’t want a ceasefire’, and ‘I want to keep fighting’ – Look… you need to call for a ceasefire now, to stop the shooting and prevent more lives from being lost. I am here, and I desire a ceasefire, but it’s clear you do not want a ceasefire,” Trump said in a pointed tone.
Zelensky retorted, asking Trump to “consult your predecessors about their views on the ceasefire,” to which Trump quickly replied, “That was a fellow named Biden, who was not a smart person,” deriding the former US President – something he had done during campaign rallies, but perhaps never within the confines of the Oval Office. This comment will almost certainly exacerbate the divide between Republicans and Democrats.
“But that was your President,” exclaimed Zelensky, momentarily shocked by Trump’s attack on Biden. Trump continued to speak over the Ukrainian President, asserting, “I gave you javelins (a man-portable anti-tank system). Obama provided you with sheets (to cover bodies). You must be more grateful to the person who actually helped.”
“Let me be very clear – you do not hold the cards. With us, you have the cards, and without us, you do not have any cards,” President Trump stated towards the conclusion of the argument before the commotion of the press filled the room.
Following the loud meeting, Donald Trump promptly posted a message on his social media platform Truth Social, stating “I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not prepared for Peace if America is involved.”
“He disrespected the United States of America in its esteemed Oval Office. He can return when he is ready for Peace,” President Trump added.
In the aftermath of this contentious meeting, the prospect for peace in Ukraine now appears indefinitely postponed as President Zelensky left without signing the pivotal deal that would have been the first step towards a ceasefire.