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2025 Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting

On February 28, 2025, U.S. president Donald Trump and U.S. vice president JD Vance held a highly contentious bilateral meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy inside the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C. Televised live and arranged with the intention to discuss continued U.S. support for Ukraine in repelling the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, it was expected to conclude with the signing of the Ukraine–United States Mineral Resources Agreement; however, the meeting ended abruptly and without a clear resolution. During its last ten minutes, Trump and Vance repeatedly criticized Zelenskyy, at times drowning out his voice. Media outlets described it as an unprecedented public confrontation between an American president and a foreign head of state.

Background
The meeting took place against the backdrop of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, which began with the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea and escalated with Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. By 2025, Ukraine heavily relied on international aid, particularly from Western countries, including the United States under the administration of Joe Biden, to continue its war effort. Zelenskyy, elected in 2019, had consistently sought robust international support to protect Ukraine's sovereignty. Trump has a history of confrontation with Zelenskyy, having been impeached in 2019 for withholding arms shipments to Ukraine in an attempt to coerce the Ukrainian president into investigating Trump's political rival, Joe Biden. Prior to becoming vice president, Vance had been critical of U.S. aid to Ukraine, having stated "I don't really care what happens to Ukraine one way or the other" in a 2022 interview. Zelenskyy described Vance as "too radical" in a 2024 interview after Trump picked him as his running mate in the 2024 presidential election. and US president Donald Trump in New York City, September 2019 On the first day of his second term, Trump signed an executive order to freeze foreign humanitarian aid to all countries for ninety days, and later defied a court order to lift the freeze. This order impacted USAID, which had pledged $16.4 billion in humanitarian aid to Ukraine in 2023. President Trump had made cutting expenditures to foreign countries a central part of his campaign, and subsequently his presidency. While Trump has claimed "about $350 billion" has been spent on Ukraine, factcheckers have found that $83 billion has been disbursed, $57 billion obligated, and $40 billion appropriated with the Congressional Research Service putting the total appropriation at $182 billion, between 2022 and 2024. The BBC reported that the Kiel Institute for the World Economy calculated that the U.S. spent $119.7 billion "on aid between January 2022 and December 2024", and that the U.S. Department of Defense provided a figure of $182.8 billion for "all spending on Operation Atlantic Resolvea response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine [...] that covers U.S. military training in Europe and replenishment of U.S. defence stocks." Trump had expressed a willingness to negotiate an agreement with Russia to end the Russo-Ukrainian War, reversing a longstanding U.S. policy of isolating Russia after it invaded Ukraine. After he returned to office and initiated a phone call with Russian president Vladimir Putin, the first by an American president since the invasion began, Zelenskyy criticized him and accused Trump of being "caught in a web of disinformation" from Russia. Trump subsequently criticized him on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he accused Ukraine of starting the war and called Zelenskyy a "dictator" for not holding electionseven though the Ukrainian constitution prohibits elections during martial law, which was in effect in Ukraine at the time. The Trump administration aligned with Russia at the United Nations, voting against a European-backed General Assembly resolution on February 24, 2025, to condemn Russia and demand a withdrawal of its troops from Ukraine. The Trump administration initially intended to cancel Zelenskyy's trip to Washington one week beforehand but was persuaded by French president Emmanuel Macron to proceed with it. The administration urged Ukraine to agree to share revenue from its raw minerals with the United States, and Zelenskyy had reportedly been planning to sign a framework agreement related to raw minerals during his visit. The idea for the agreement was originally proposed by Ukraine to the Biden administration in 2024. Prior to Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump, senator Lindsey Graham told Zelenskyy to focus on the present minerals agreement and to discuss a ceasefire and security guarantees later. ==Meeting==
Meeting
The participants had planned to discuss further support for Ukraine in the context of concluding the framework agreement on minerals. The Ukrainian delegation opted for a mutually beneficial partnership that would provide security guarantees for Ukraine, not just the transfer of its resources. The agreement would have created a joint investment fund to rebuild Ukraine, with the U.S. gaining in the mining of rare-earth minerals. Ukraine had planned to stake half of future revenues from the country's resources and minerals into the fund. Graham and others mediated the deal in an effort to maintain Trump's interest in supporting Ukraine's security while negotiating peace between Putin and Zelenskyy. which he had not done in public since Russia's invasion. Zelenskyy refused to do so, which reportedly offended Trump. It took place in front of journalists, in an internationally live broadcast event. After shaking Zelenskyy's hand, he sarcastically remarked that Zelenskyy was "all dressed up today". asked Zelenskyy why he was not wearing a suit and that it was disrespectful. Zelenskyy said that he would wear one "after the war is finished". Trump responded that he thought Zelenskyy had "dressed beautifully" and that he "liked his clothing". Discussion The meeting between the two leaders began cordially. Roughly 40 minutes into the meeting, Polskie Radio reporter asked Trump, "I'm talking with my friends in Poland, and they are worried that you align yourself too much with Putin. What's your message for them?" Trump answered the question with, "Well, if I didn't align myself with both of them, you'd never have a deal. [...] I'm not aligned with anybody. I'm aligned with the United States of America, and for the good of the world, I'm aligned with the world." Vance interjected to answer the question on his own, telling Zelenskyy, "The path to peace and the path to prosperity is maybe engaging in diplomacy. [...] What makes America a good country is America engaging in diplomacy. That's what President Trump is doing." Zelenskyy stated that in 2019, he negotiated a ceasefire with Putin, Macron, and German chancellor Angela Merkel. However, Putin later did not abide by the ceasefire or another agreed-upon prisoner exchange. Zelenskyy asked if Vance had ever visited Ukraine, telling him, "Come once." Vance replied that he had "watched and seen the stories" regarding Ukraine and accused Zelenskyy of showing a "propaganda tour" of Ukraine; Vance then questioned, "Do you think that it's respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country?" Zelenskyy told Vance, "First of all, during the war, everybody has problems, even you. But you have nice ocean and don't feel now, but you will feel it in the future. God bless, you will not have war." Zelenskyy replied, "I'm not playing cards ... I'm very serious ... I'm the president in a war", while Trump retorted, "You're gambling with millions of lives, you are gambling with World War Three [...] and what you're doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country, that's backed you far more than a lot of people said they should have." Vance questioned if Zelenskyy had ever offered thanks, despite Zelenskyy starting the conversation by verbally thanking Trump. Vance falsely accused Zelenskyy of "[having gone] to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October [2024]". When Zelenskyy asked if he could answer, Trump responded, "No, you've done a lot of talking. [...] If you didn't have our military equipment this war would have been over in two weeks." Zelenskyy replied, "In three days, I heard it from Putin." Trump responded, "It's going to be a very hard thing to do business like this", while Vance again asked Zelenskyy to "say thank you", and added to Zelenskyy, "You're wrong." A journalist raised the hypothetical of Russia violating a ceasefire. Trump responded, "What if anything? What if a bomb drops on your head right now? ... they broke it with Biden because Biden, they didn't respect him. They didn't respect Obama. They respect me." Trump then referenced the Mueller special counsel investigation into him regarding Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections, commenting that Putin "went through a hell of a lot" with him, "went through a phony witch hunt where they used him and Russia." Trump then criticized Joe Biden and his son Hunter, Adam Schiff and Hillary Clinton. Trump told Zelenskyy, "make a deal or we're out ... And if we're out, you'll fight it out. I don't think it's going to be pretty." Trump ultimately stopped the meeting, commenting, "I think we've seen enough. This is going to be great television." == Aftermath ==
Aftermath
The meeting ended without a firm resolution. In an interview on Fox News, Waltz later claimed that some Ukrainian representatives were "practically in tears" but Zelenskyy remained "argumentative" when the Ukrainians were asked to leave. Zelenskyy's motorcade left the White House courtyard at 13:42, returning to the Hay–Adams Hotel. Zelenskyy visited the United Kingdom after the meeting with Trump to attend a summit with European leaders. A £2.26 billion loan was provided to Ukraine, which would be repaid from frozen Russian assets. On March 3, the Trump administration suspended military aid to Ukraine. Within a week of the meeting, the Trump administration also suspended provision of intelligence to Ukraine. On March 5, CIA director John Ratcliffe said that there was a "pause" on both "the military front and the intelligence front", while national security adviser Mike Waltz answered a media query regarding intelligence provision that the United States was "pausing, assessing, looking at everything across our security relationship". On March 8, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency under the Trump administration said that, in relation to "support to Ukraine", the agency has "suspended access to U.S. government-purchased commercial imagery", while satellite imagery company Maxar Technologies suspended Ukrainian access per the Trump administration's decision. Politico Europe reported on March 6 that Trump's senior aides had covertly met Zelenskyy's Ukrainian political rivals, Yulia Tymoshenko and senior members of Petro Poroshenko's political party, as the Trump aides wanted to review the possibility of soon holding presidential elections in Ukraine, with the aim of ousting Zelenskyy. on March 11, 2025 On March 11, following a meeting in Jeddah between American and Ukrainian delegations, the Trump administration announced it would resume providing aid and intelligence to Ukraine. Then-presumptive German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed a significant increase in defense spending in Germany, justifying his policy by the "rapidly changing situation", especially after the Trump–Zelenskyy meeting. In March 2025, German lawmakers approved an amendment to the Basic Law, allowing Merz's government to implement the largest rearmament in Germany since World War II. == Analysis ==
Analysis
United States The meeting made domestic and international headlines, noted for its fiery, confrontational, and antagonistic tone by multiple news outlets. CNN journalist Frederik Pleitgen commented: "it is known that Volodymyr Zelenskyy makes every effort to speak English [...] but when two such monster personalities talk to you like that, it could only go wrong." An op-ed by The Washington Post described Trump as sounding "more like Don Corleone than an American president" during the exchange. Late-night hosts such as Stephen Colbert also commented on the meeting. Media analysis The confrontation has been widely reported as a significant new low point in European–United States relations. Alexander Vindman, an expert on European relations and a retired U.S. Army colonel, writes that Trump has "taken Russia’s side against one of Washington’s European partners". The Wall Street Journal described the meeting as "imploding", highlighting its potential to undermine hopes for peace and casting doubt on future U.S. support for Ukraine. NPR commented that American foreign policy under Trump now "downplays alliances and is open for business with any country — depending on what's in it for the United States in the short run". The New York Times highlighted that Trump's aggressive behavior and harsh words towards Zelenskyy shattered the three-year wartime partnership between the United States and Ukraine. The meeting, described as a "shouting match" broadcast to the world, underscored Trump's increasing willingness to sacrifice Ukraine for his broader vision of rebuilding relations with Russia and abandoning traditional alliances. An NBC News analysis suggested that the argument represented "Trump's deep impatience with Ukraine and its democratically elected president, and his persistent defense of Russia's autocratic ruler". Ravi Agrawal, the editor-in-chief of Foreign Policy, commented that Trump had "pushed the boundaries of press attention" and ensured that "a freewheeling discussion was aired out in front of the world's cameras" during every bilateral meeting at the White House. The meeting became a massive internet meme online, with filter images of Vance's U.S. senator portrait being inflated to look like an infant became a viral phenomenon in reference to his "give thanks" comment to Zelenskyy. This meme would later be referenced in the South Park episode "Got a Nut". International The Kyiv Post suggested that a "turning point" during the meeting was when Trump described Ukraine as "destroyed", which "seemed to push the Ukrainian president past his limits". including The Guardian, which described it as "one of the greatest diplomatic disasters in modern history" and particularly singled out Vance for his role in starting the confrontation. Canada's CBC News compared the leaders' exchange to the 1959 Kitchen Debate between then-vice president Richard Nixon and Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. Spanish newspaper El País highlighted that the confrontation was "all the more surprising" after Trump had "softened his stance" towards Zelenskyy in the days preceding the meeting. ABC News of Australia suggested that the altercation could affect China–Russia relations and serve as a "wake-up call" for Taiwan. Russian state media expressed shock at the "breakdown in diplomacy" but expressed support for Trump's conduct. News anchor Alexander Kareevsky commented that the meeting "stopped observing the limits of decency" and had not seen any equivalent in "diplomatic history". A correspondent for Russia-24 said "it is clear that there can be no talk of any deliveries or further weapons" to Ukraine, and that Zelenskyy was "leaving with nothing". Public According to the Associated Press, many ordinary Ukrainians were "unfazed" by the row, but generally agreed that Zelenskyy "had stood up for their country's dignity and interests by firmly maintaining his stance in the face of chiding from some of the world's most powerful men", while some argued that he should have listened to Trump's point of view. Social media commentators in Ukraine sided in favor of Zelenskyy following Glenn's criticism of him not wearing a suit. Ukrainian blogger and journalist Illia Ponomarenko said that Trump would have "found a reason to get offended" even if Zelenskyy had remained silent, adding, "Ukraine is the coolest country in the world right now – again." Russian pro-war bloggers voiced their support for Trump and his portrayal of Zelenskyy as "an ungrateful child" on Telegram. Analyst and Kremlin adviser described the confrontation as "a fundamental shift", and said that Zelenskyy "underestimated the scale of the shift that took place in American politics" in the Trump era. Anton Grishanov, a researcher at a think-tank affiliated with the Russian Foreign Ministry, said the meeting was a "tragicomic" discussion which would "undoubtedly weaken Zelenskyy's position within Ukraine and give Russian diplomacy additional leverage in its dealings with the US". In Waitsfield, Vermont, where Vance was vacationing with his family, protesters lined a road to express criticism of him and support for Ukraine. On Zelenskyy's arrival in the United Kingdom the day after the meeting, crowds cheered him at 10 Downing Street as he shook hands with Starmer. == Reactions ==
Reactions
Political Ukraine Zelenskyy and presidency Zelenskyy issued an initial statement on social media following the meeting, thanking Trump, the United States Congress, and the American people for their support. He added: "Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that." After various global leaders expressed their support for him, Zelenskyy responded to each leader's message individually with: "Thank you for your support." He also stated that he was still interested in signing the minerals deal. Government Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal backed Zelenskyy and agreed with him, saying "peace without guarantees is not possible". He warned that a "ceasefire without guarantees" would lead to "Russian occupation of the entire European continent". Inna Sovsun, a people's deputy belonging to the Holos party, expressed her shock at the events but said, "Under no circumstances should we agree to calls for the president to resign, and I'm saying that as an opposition MP. That defies the very idea of democracy." She added that Ukraine needed to find another mediator to negotiate with the United States. He later suggested Zelenskyy "wants to come back right now". Members of Trump's cabinet publicly supported him on social media and in television interviews. Rubio expressed support for Trump's actions and refused to blame Russia for the war, saying he was "not going to fall into this trap of who is bad and who's evil". Republican Party House Speaker Mike Johnson, who belongs to Trump's Republican Party, stated that the "days of America being taken advantage of and disrespected are OVER". Senate majority whip John Barrasso supported Trump, saying that Zelenskyy's "behavior in the Oval Office today set back efforts to secure peace for his nation". Chuck Grassley, the president pro tempore of the Senate, described Putin as "an imperialistic dictator" but said that Trump was in charge of bilateral negotiations. Most Republican senators supported Trump and Vance, including Mike Lee, who praised the two "for standing up to our country and putting America first", and Jim Banks, who accused Zelenskyy of "ungratefully expect[ing] us to bankroll and escalate another forever war–all while disrespecting the President" and "working Americans". Graham also suggested that Zelenskyy should resign, which the latter rejected. Senator Bill Hagerty, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan during Trump's first term, also supported Trump, tweeting, "The United States of America will no longer be taken for granted. The contrast between the last four years and now could not be more clear." Josh Hawley, the senior senator from Missouri, called for "accountability" in reference to U.S. financial assistance to Ukraine. Representative Victoria Spartz, a Ukrainian-American, accused Zelenskyy of "doing a serious disservice to the Ukrainian people insulting the American President and the American peoplejust to appease Europeans and increase his low polling in Ukraine after he failed miserably to defend his country." Representative Mike Lawler pointed out the meeting was "a missed opportunity for both the United States and Ukraine" and described the exchange between the leaders as "a disaster — especially for Ukraine". Lisa Murkowski, the senior senator from Alaska, also rebuked the Trump administration for "walking away from our allies and embracing Putin", which she said made her "sick to her stomach". Fourteen Democratic governors issued a joint statement condemning Zelenskyy's treatment. The governors criticized Trump and Vance for using the "sacred Oval Office to berate President Zelenskyy for not trusting Vladimir Putin's word". • – Acting Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg reaffirmed his support for Ukraine. A statement by the foreign ministry said, "Russia is the aggressor and we share Ukraine's commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace!" • – President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva remarked that Zelenskyy was "humiliated" by Trump, saying that "diplomacy, since planet Earth was created, since diplomacy was created, has not seen a scene as grotesque, as disrespectful as the one that took place in the Oval Office of the White House". • – Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov tweeted, "Ukraine, be brave, be strong. We stand by you." President Rumen Radev, an opponent of Western aid to Ukraine, described Zhelyazkov's stance as a "losing position" and said the meeting was between what he alleged was Trump demanding "an immediate end to the senseless bloodshed" and Zelenskyy wanting "to continue the war at all costs". • – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly commented on the meeting, supporting Ukraine, without commenting on Trump. • – Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said: "China will continue to play a constructive role for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and the realization of peace." • – Prime Minister Andrej Plenković affirmed that they stand "firm" in their belief that Ukraine needs "a peace that means sovereignty, territorial integrity, and a secure Europe". • – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement saying that Cyprus remains committed to supporting Ukraine and that ongoing dialogue is essential. • – Prime Minister Petr Fiala said that Europe was facing "a historic test" and needed to protect itself against foreign threats, calling for increased military spending by European countries. He added, "If we don't increase our effort fast enough and let the aggressor [Russia] dictate its conditions, we won't end up well." Her predecessor and foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen wrote on Facebook: "There must be room for robust conversations - even between friends. But when it happens in front of rolling cameras like that, there is only one winner. And he sits in the Kremlin." President Alexander Stubb expressed shock and disappointment over the events, calling them unprecedented in the history of international diplomacy. "It was a diplomatic failure with only one winner, who wasn't even present: Vladimir Putin", Stubb remarked. • – President Emmanuel Macron called Russia an "aggressor" and Ukraine an "assaulted people" and said that France and its allies were "right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago and to continue doing so". He made a particular nod to Trump's comment during the meeting: "If anyone is gambling with World War III, his name is Vladimir Putin." • – Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, during his meeting with U.S. secretary of state Marco Rubio on the same day, expressed Europe's support for a fair solution for Ukraine. • – Prime Minister Viktor Orbán sided with Trump and commended his stance on peace. • – Taoiseach Micheál Martin said, "We've got to hold our nerve in Europe. We've got to get behind Ukraine, engage with the United States and others, with a view to giving Ukraine the security that it requires." Simon Harris, the Tánaiste and minister for foreign affairs, tweeted, "Ukraine is not to blame for this war brought about by Russia's illegal invasion. We stand with Ukraine." Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini voiced his support for Trump and called on him to "stop this war". • – Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized that diplomacy is not about letting emotions clash, it is about "patience and compassion", so that peace can be achieved. He stated that Japan would "do everything it can to prevent division between the United States, Ukraine and the Group of Seven nations". • – Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and President Edgars Rinkēvičs voiced their support for Ukraine. • – Prime Minister Luc Frieden voiced his support for Ukraine. • – President Maia Sandu reaffirmed Moldova's steadfast support for Ukraine. Sandu stated: "The truth is simple. Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine defends its freedom—and ours. We stand with Ukraine." • – Prime Minister Dick Schoof said that the Dutch cabinet unconditionally supported Ukraine. Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp called his Ukrainian colleague Andrii Sybiha and promised Dutch support. President Andrzej Duda, a supporter of both Ukraine and Trump, said that Zelenskyy "should return to this table, sit calmly at this table, remain calm, negotiate a solution that will make Ukraine safe". President Peter Pellegrini called on the European Union to "behave responsibly and, above all, actively in this tense situation". He added "that the current leadership of Ukraine will take a constructive approach to the solution that will emerge from joint talks of the transatlantic community and launch constructive negotiations on establishing peace between the two enemies". • – Prime Minister Robert Golob reaffirmed Slovenia's strong support for Ukraine, stating, "Russia is an aggressor, and Ukraine is under attack. Ukraine is not only fighting for itself but for the security of all of Europe. We will continue to support and assist Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved." President Nataša Pirc Musar condemned the events, stating, "We stand firmly in support of Ukraine's sovereignty. We repeat, Russia is the aggressor. It is time for Europe to take the lead on the path to peace in Ukraine." • – The office of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed support for Ukraine and stated: "You are not only fighting for your freedom but also for all of Europe's." Former leaders and other political parties • European Union – The Renew Europe group reiterated its support for Ukraine in a statement released following the meeting. Valérie Hayer, president of the group in the European Parliament, condemned the "insulting attitude and remarks" from Trump and called for "immediate and decisive European action to support Ukraine, including bold European defense". • France – In an interview, former president François Hollande stated, "Even if the American people remain our friends, the Trump administration itself is no longer our ally." He emphasized that recent events indicated a possible "divorce" between Europe and the United States in the near future. Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, described the exchange as a "slap in the face" for Europe but added the manner in which it occurred "did not particularly surprise" her. During an interview with BFM TV, Éric Zemmour, a far-right candidate in the 2022 French presidential election, suggested that Zelenskyy "made a psychological mistake" and denied that Trump attacked him. • Georgia – Fifth president Salome Zourabichvili voiced her support for Ukraine in a statement posted on social media, which said, "Those who understand what it means to defend one's territory, independence, and freedom—not once, but repeatedly over the past two centuries—are siding with you, Mr. President." She also criticized Trump, remarking: "Not sure this is a demonstration of America First [...] looks more like America seconding Putin's Russia. At a time when we all need a strong America alongside a stronger Europe. It seems we are finally seeing the latter emerge!" Additionally, in response to former French diplomat Gérard Araud, Zourabichvili condemned Glenn's "mocking" question to Zelenskyy about his attire, praising the Ukrainian leader for standing firm and securing support from leaders of the European Union. • Maldives – Former president Mohamed Nasheed criticized the United States, saying in a statement: "The sooner that Europe realises the U.S. can no longer be trusted, the better it will be for the free world. Europe and the countries of the Commonwealth must rise to the occasion, including making joint military alliances." • Moldova – Former president Igor Dodon described it as a "[missed] chance to stop the war" and warned for "even greater human casualties, with huge economic losses" and called Ukraine to "return to negotiations". • Netherlands – Several politicians, including Dilan Yeşilgöz and Pieter Omtzigt, showed their respect for Zelenskyy and several opposition parties, including GroenLinks–PvdA and Democrats 66, criticized Trump's behavior. Geert Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom, described the meeting as "Fascinating TV, but not necessarily the best way to end a war, gentlemen." Her shadow ministers criticized the meeting, with Alicia Kearns denouncing it as "performative bullying". Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, emphasized the need for Ukraine to have the right security guarantees, calling the altercation in the Oval Office "regrettable" and saying that it would "make Putin feel like the winner". Stephen Gethins, the foreign affairs spokesman for the Scottish National Party, said that the invitation for Trump to visit Scotland from King Charles IIIin a letter which had been given to Trump by Starmer in his visit the day beforeshould be reconsidered unless he showed more support for Ukraine. International and non-governmental organizations Amnesty International – The human rights organization released a statement saying, "Nothing that was said today in the Oval Office changes the facts: Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine was an act of aggression and a manifest violation of the UN Charter." It added that "sustainable peace in Ukraine is only possible through justice and accountability for all crimes under international law committed since 2014". • – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola released a joint statement lauding Zelenskyy's "dignity and bravery," reaffirming the European Union's unwavering commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also assured him that he was "never alone" and urged him to "be strong, be brave, be fearless." Additionally, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas criticized Trump's approach, stating that "the free world needs a new leader" and underscoring Europe's resolve to back Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian aggression. • – Secretary General Mark Rutte described the outcome of the meeting as "very unfortunate", but urged Zelenskyy "to restore his relationship" with Trump and his administration. ==Gallery==
Gallery
File:President Donald Trump meets Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine on Friday, 28 February 2025 at the White House, USA.jpg|President Trump greets President Zelenskyy upon arriving to the Oval Office File:President Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine on Friday, 28 February 2025 at the White House in Washington, D.C., USA.jpg|President Trump and President Zelenskyy posing for a photo File:(20250228) You have to be thankful - Donald Trump.jpg|President Trump conversing with President Zelenskyy File:(20250228) Have you said thank you once? - JD Vance.jpg|Vice President Vance conversing with President Zelenskyy == See also ==
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