The meeting between American President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington is currently making headlines worldwide. The White House meeting saw heated exchanges between the two, stunning everyone, as such moments between the heads of two nations are rare. After these events, President Trump headed to Palm Beach International Airport in Florida on the night of February 28 and then to his Mar-a-Lago residence. Meanwhile, Zelensky has left for the UK, where he will attend a summit on Ukraine hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
During the press conference between Trump and Zelensky, the tension was palpable. Zelensky arrived in America with the aim of securing a mineral deal. However, negotiations quickly unraveled, and the deal fell through. Trump abruptly ended talks, and Zelensky left the White House for his hotel. The White House informed that Zelensky was asked to leave. An official source revealed that after the meeting, the Ukrainian leader sought to get back on track, but National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed that Trump had asked for Zelensky's immediate departure from the White House.
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Zelensky's Mission to Persuade Trump
Experts suggest Zelensky's primary goal was to convince Trump. The recent closeness between the American President and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been noticeable. In a Fox News interview, Zelensky expressed, 'We wish for Trump to be in the middle. We also want him to side with us.' However, he resisted apologizing to Trump, stating, 'I respect the President. I respect the American people as well. I don't believe we did anything wrong.'
What Happened at the Press Conference?
President Trump has been seeking compensation for the economic and military aid given to Ukraine by the previous President, Joe Biden's administration. He insists that somehow the U.S. should find a return on that investment. According to his statements, he has repeatedly mentioned the need for $500 billion as compensation, although he intended to finalize the agreement at $350 billion. He also stipulated that Ukraine would receive nothing in return, especially not security.
Against the backdrop of a lack of security guarantees, Zelensky arrived in America on Friday to sign the deal, meeting Trump at the White House. Trump personally came to the door to greet him, resulting in positive photographs. Then, Trump, along with Zelensky and his cabinet, sat down to address the press. When a journalist posed a question about Ukraine's security, Trump categorically refused to discuss the matter.
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How Did Both Leaders Address the Security Issue?
Donald Trump replied, 'I don't want to talk about security right now. I just want the deal to be done. You're caught in the same trap as everyone else. You've said it a million times. I just want the deal to be completed. Security is very simple. It's only two percent of the problem. I have no security concerns. Europe will send its people. I know France, Britain, and other countries (will provide security to Ukraine). We are not committed to security, but we might consider it. Our security will come in a different way. Our workers will be there, digging, digging, digging to extract the minerals, and we'll make some good products in this country.'
Zelensky also shared his thoughts on the journalist's security question. He said, "When it comes to security guarantees and ceasefire discussions, we cannot talk about a ceasefire because it has never been beneficial. Putin broke the ceasefire 25 times. In 2016, (Trump) was the President, so we can't discuss a ceasefire without security guarantees; it would be pointless.'
Read Also: After Verbal Clash, Zelensky Heads to the UK While Trump Retreats to Florida
What Angered Trump?
Zelensky clearly stated in response to questions regarding the Russia-America talks aimed at halting the war that this is not a conflict between Russia and America—this is Russia's war against Ukraine. No one but Ukrainians can stop this war. If negotiations come up in the future, it's clear that both sides of the conflict (Russia and Ukraine) should be at the negotiating table. If Putin is not stopped, he could invade other countries, potentially even Poland. Since Poland is a NATO member, Zelensky remarked that, in such a case, the American army would also be fighting.
Trump was so offended by Zelensky's statement that he accused him of wanting to avoid a ceasefire and letting his people die. Trump angrily said to Zelensky, 'You are playing with millions of lives. You are gambling with World War III, and what you are doing is extremely shameful for your country. You should be thanking those who say that (we need a ceasefire).'
Trump Issued a Statement
Following the meeting with Zelensky at the White House, Trump released a statement. He said that several critical matters emerged from the discussions that might not be understood in normal circumstances. Many truths came to light amidst rising emotions, and I realized President Zelensky is not ready for peace as long as America is involved. He believes that America's involvement provides him a significant advantage in negotiations, but I want no advantage—I want peace. He has disrespected America. Only when he truly seeks peace should he return.
Read Also: Why Did Trump and Zelensky Clash On Camera? The Key Question That Ruined Their 45-Minute Press Conference
Divided Allegiances: Team Trump vs. Team Zelensky
Following the spat between Trump and Zelensky, the world seems split into two factions. One side supports Trump, including the American people and Republican leaders. The other is backing Zelensky, with several European nations on his side. U.S. National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard wrote on X, 'Thank you, Donald Trump, for your unwavering leadership in standing up for American interests and peace. What you've said is entirely true. Zelensky has been trying for years to drag America into a nuclear war with Russia. Thank you, Vice President JD Vance, for making such a powerful and clear statement about the need for diplomacy.'
Former President Joe Biden's Democratic representative Eric Swalwell praised Zelensky, saying, 'That man has courage. He went to the Oval Office and stood against Russia's best negotiators.' A Democratic senator commented, 'Today’s spectacle in the Oval Office is a political ambush and a shameful failure of American leadership.' He added, 'President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people are fighting for their lives and existence.'
Europe Backs Zelensky
After the heated exchanges between Trump and Zelensky, Europe largely stepped forward in support of Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna made some of the most significant statements, clarifying their stance against Russia. They emphasized that Putin's aggression is the only obstacle on the path to peace.
Additionally, Ireland and Latvia confirmed their support for Ukraine. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez delivered a message of support to Ukraine, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed solidarity with Ukrainians. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also voiced support for Zelensky, stating, 'We plainly stand with Ukraine because we view this as a struggle to uphold international law.'
