Whereas Friday’s explosive assembly between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ended with a shouting match, the beginning of the Oval Workplace assembly was filled with optimism about signing the minerals deal.
Trump, who called the Ukrainian president a dictator final week, began the Oval Workplace spray in a smoother vogue, saying, “We have truly recognized one another for a very long time. We have been coping with one another for a very long time and really nicely there. We had a little bit negotiation spat, however that labored out nice, I believe, for each international locations.”
Zelenskyy was additionally optimistic about an settlement that will have given the USA entry to essential minerals from Ukraine.
President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the White Home in Washington, D.C., Feb. 28, 2025.
Brian Snyder/Reuters
“I hope that this doc would be the first step to actual safety ensures for Ukraine,” he mentioned. “Our individuals, our kids really matter on it. And, after all, we depend that America won’t cease assist. Actually, for us, it is crucial to assist and to proceed it. I wish to focus on it with particulars additional.”
Zelenskyy urged the U.S. to take a robust place in stopping Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he’s a “killer” and “terrorist.”
“I hope that collectively we will cease him. However for us, it is crucial to to avoid wasting our nation, our values, our freedom and democracy,” Zelenskyy mentioned.
Zelenskyy additionally pressured the significance of getting the U.S. backing up European safety contingencies.
“I believe that France and U.Okay. already spoke to you, and we all know that Europe is prepared, however with out the USA, they won’t be able to be as robust as we’d like,” he mentioned.
Nonetheless, Trump argued that Russia won’t return on its phrase as soon as a peace deal is reached, and he declined to get into safety ensures that Zelenskyy mentioned he views as essential to any peace settlement.
President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the White Home in Washington, D.C., Feb. 28, 2025.
Brian Snyder/Reuters
“We’ll make a deal,” he mentioned. “I’ve to make the deal first. I do not fear about safety proper now.”
Different cracks began to indicate simply over 10 minutes into the spray, together with one notable second when Zelenskyy and Trump disagreed over the quantity of assist Europe has given Ukraine.
“They actually gave so much, Mr. President,” Zelenskyy mentioned.
“They gave so much — however they gave a lot much less,” Trump replied, with out offering particulars.
“No,” Zelenskyy shot again with a glance of skepticism, although they continued to maintain the tone mild.
Trump and Zelenskyy additionally disagreed over Putin’s reliability as soon as a deal is struck, with Zelenskyy saying Putin won’t ever settle for only a ceasefire.
“It won’t work with out safety ensures,” the Ukrainian president added.
President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the White Home in Washington, D.C., Feb. 28, 2025.
Brian Snyder/Reuters
The president additionally defended his talks with Putin, saying it’s the solely strategy to get a deal throughout the end line when he was pressed about issues he is too aligned with Putin.
“I am not aligned with anyone. I am aligned with the USA of America. And for the great of the world,” Trump mentioned.
Vice President J.D. Vance then chimed in and continued to push Trump’s level, claiming President Joe Biden didn’t do sufficient to discourage the warfare.
At that time, Zelenskyy interjected, mentioning the struggles his nation has confronted during the last decade, prompting Vance and Trump to shout on the Ukrainian president.
