Trump and Zelenskyy Clash in the Oval Office

Donald Trump presented the proposed minerals arrangement as a substantial American commitment and pointed to his conversations with Vladimir Putin. Volodymyr Zelenskyy described it as a possible first step toward security guarantees, while seeking continued support, air defense, and protection against another attack. [1]

The cameras were still running in the Oval Office when the meeting turned into an argument on 28 February 2025. Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy had been discussing a proposed agreement on Ukraine’s mineral resources before turning to whether diplomacy could end Russia’s war. [1]

Vice President JD Vance defended the administration’s approach to negotiations. Zelenskyy responded with earlier agreements and ceasefires that Russia had broken, asking what kind of diplomacy would now work. Trump interrupted, challenged Ukraine’s bargaining position, and accused its president of risking a wider war. Zelenskyy continued to press the need for security against another Russian attack. [1]

The Ukrainian delegation left early, and the minerals agreement remained unsigned that day. [1] [2]

Related Diplomats

1. Oksana Markarova [3] [4]

Related Reading

• Ukraine and the United States