On February 28th, 2025, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy made the long trip to Washington D.C., where he visited the office of President Donald Trump to discuss Ukrainian-Russian relations and potential peace. Trump, who had previously stated he can end the political conflict between the two Eastern-European powers in “24 hours,” is very important to Zelensky, as the United States aid has proven critical to the Ukrainian cause.
The discussion between the two politicians seemed to take a turn after Zelensky presented Trump with horrid pictures of Ukrainian prisoners under Russian control. This acted as a reminder that the lives of millions are being put at risk, resulting in the desires of both sides to then set in. The surrounding reporters and media carried the conversation with questions, and tensions flared after Trump was asked about his relationship with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. The president responded, “If I didn’t align with both of them (Putin and Zelensky), you’d never have a deal… I’m aligned with the world.” Vance added that “engaging in diplomacy” with both sides is most necessary to reach peace, which didn’t sit right with Zelensky. Rather, he argued that Putin never abided by the Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire in December 2019, prompting him to question “What kind of diplomacy, JD, are you speaking about?”
Vance responded with a hostile assertion, that “it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media”, scolding Zelensky for not thanking Trump for his meeting to reach peace. Zelensky responded by questioning Vance on whether he’d visited Ukraine since the outbreak of the war, a question which both men knew the answer was an immediate “no.” Vance responded that he was not interested in Zelensky’s “propaganda tours,” a jab to the Ukrainian president’s tradition to show visitors the terrors of war, through destroyed territories or filled hospitals. He ultimately finished his jab off by questioning Zelensky’s respect, claiming that he’s attacking “the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country.”
The remaining minutes were characterized by Trump and Zelensky speaking over each other, with Trump ending the conversation by asserting “you don’t have the cards right now. With us, you have the cards” all meanwhile Vance continued questioning if Zelensky has once thanked the president and even accused the Ukrainian leader of “campaigning for the opposition (referring to Kamala Harris) in October.”
The meeting came to an end after the bickering continued and Trump finally remarked “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.” He then said “I think we’ve seen enough” and sarcastically remarked “this is going to be great television.” Zelensky was then escorted out of the Oval Office, culminating his trip to Washington D.C..
Following the meeting, Zelensky reflected on what was a “regrettable experience that aws bad for both sides.” Trump publicly stated on X that he has “determined that President Zelensky is not ready for Peace if America is involved.” No resolution or conclusion was reached between the two leaders, and the expected signing of a minerals agreement between the two countries was therefore cancelled.
Just a few days later, Donald Trump made the decision to suspend American military aid to Ukraine, which would prove to be detrimental to the Ukrainian army.