ALBAWABA - A diplomatic visit turned confrontational as President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky clashed during a high-stakes meeting at the White House on February 28, 2025.
Hamas to release Hisham al-Sayyid without ceremony out of respect for Palestinian citizens of IsraelThe meeting, which was expected to address U.S. military aid and Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia, quickly escalated into a heated dispute, leading to Trump abruptly canceling a planned joint press conference and allegedly ordering Zelensky to leave.
Trump to Zelensky: 'You’re Not Ready for Peace'
According to multiple sources, Trump rebuked Zelensky for what he described as a lack of gratitude for U.S. support in Ukraine’s war efforts against Russia. The former reality TV star and businessman turned president reportedly gave the Ukrainian leader an ultimatum—agree to a peace deal with Russia or risk losing further American assistance. Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, wrote:
During the discussion, Vice President JD Vance also criticized Zelensky’s stance, further emphasizing Trump's frustration over what the administration sees as Kyiv's reluctance to negotiate with Moscow.
Zelensky Pushes Back, Seeks European Support
Zelensky, in response, refused to commit to a ceasefire without security guarantees from the West. He later contacted European leaders to reinforce Ukraine’s alliances, signaling a potential diplomatic shift amid tensions with Washington.
Despite the apparent fallout, Zelensky expressed gratitude for previous U.S. support but rejected any notion that Ukraine should accept a deal on unfavorable terms.
Was Zelensky Kicked Out? Conflicting Reports Emerge
Shortly after the meeting, reports surfaced suggesting that Trump had directly ordered Zelensky to leave the White House. According to Fox News, sources within the administration stated that Zelensky "did not leave voluntarily but was asked to leave by White House officials." CNN, however, reported that no official expulsion took place, but that the Ukrainian delegation left hastily after Trump’s remarks.
Further fueling speculation, sources within the Biden and Obama-era diplomatic circles criticized Trump’s handling of the situation, with one official calling it "a diplomatic disaster." Meanwhile, Trump allies, including Senator Lindsey Graham, defended the president’s stance, arguing that U.S. resources should not be taken for granted.
The Fallout: What’s Next for U.S.-Ukraine Relations?
The fallout from the Oval Office showdown raises significant questions about the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations under Trump's presidency. While Ukraine remains dependent on Western military aid, Trump has made it clear that his America First policy will not tolerate what he perceives as ungrateful behavior from allies. Could this signal a shift in U.S. foreign policy toward Ukraine?
As tensions rise, global leaders will be watching closely to see whether Trump and Zelensky can repair their fractured relationship, or if this marks the beginning of a deeper rift between Washington and Kyiv.
