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 referred to as the Ukrainian president a dictator final week, began the Oval Workplace spray in a smoother trend, saying, “We have really identified one another for a very long time. We have been coping with one another for a very long time and really effectively there. We had a bit of negotiation spat, however that labored out nice, I feel, for each international locations.”
Zelenskyy was additionally optimistic about an settlement that might have given america 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 folks, our kids actually matter on it. And, after all, we rely that America is not going to cease assist. Actually, for us, it is crucial to assist and to proceed it. I wish to talk about it with particulars additional.”
Zelenskyy urged the U.S. to take a powerful place in stopping Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he’s a “killer” and “terrorist.”
“I hope that collectively we are able to cease him. However for us, it is crucial to to save lots of our nation, our values, our freedom and democracy,” Zelenskyy mentioned.
Zelenskyy additionally harassed the significance of getting the U.S. backing up European safety contingencies.
“I feel that France and U.Okay. already spoke to you, and we all know that Europe is prepared, however with out america, they won’t be able to be as sturdy as we’d like,” he mentioned.
Nonetheless, Trump argued that Russia is not going to 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 point out 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 rather a lot, Mr. President,” Zelenskyy mentioned.
“They gave rather a lot — 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 gentle.
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 is not going to 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 method 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 america 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 conflict.
At that time, Zelenskyy interjected, mentioning the struggles his nation has confronted over the past decade, prompting Vance and Trump to shout on the Ukrainian president.
