Zelenskyy leaves White House without signing minerals deal after Oval Office blowup

 Trump-Zelensky Meeting Ends in Tension, Casting Doubt on U.S.-Ukraine Relations

Washington, D.C. – A highly anticipated meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on February 28, 2025, ended abruptly without a planned minerals deal being signed. Instead of reinforcing U.S.-Ukraine ties, the meeting reportedly devolved into a heated exchange, raising questions about the future of American military aid to Kyiv.

A Contentious Exchange

The meeting, held at the White House, was expected to strengthen economic and military cooperation between the two nations. However, tensions quickly flared. Trump accused Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War III,” criticizing Ukraine’s approach to the ongoing conflict with Russia and what he saw as a lack of gratitude toward U.S. support.

Zelenskyy, in turn, warned Trump against trusting Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that doing so could embolden Russia’s aggression. This disagreement led to the cancellation of a planned joint press conference, signaling a serious rift between the two leaders.

Impact on U.S. Aid to Ukraine

The meeting’s failure raises new concerns about future U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump has long expressed skepticism about continued military assistance, and this confrontation may further weaken Washington’s commitment to Kyiv. While the Biden administration had secured aid for Ukraine, Trump’s potential re-election could alter the course of American involvement in the war.

International Reactions

Following the meeting, European leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of standing united against Russian aggression. However, with the U.S. role in question, Kyiv may need to seek alternative sources of military and economic support.

A History of Tense Relations

This is not the first time Trump and Zelenskyy have had a controversial exchange. Their relationship dates back to the 2019 impeachment inquiry, which stemmed from Trump’s infamous phone call pressuring Zelenskyy to investigate Joe Biden’s family. The latest clash only adds to their history of strained interactions.

What’s Next?

With uncertainty surrounding U.S. support, Ukraine faces a critical moment in its war effort. The breakdown of this meeting suggests that, should Trump return to office, Kyiv may need to reevaluate its diplomatic strategies. For now, all eyes are on how Ukraine and its allies will navigate this new geopolitical challenge.

For further details, vi

sit WSJ and The Guardian.