U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a tense exchange in the Oval Office on Friday, February 28. The two leaders clashed over the issue of negotiating with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom Zelensky referred to as a “killer.”
During the meeting, Trump criticized Zelensky, urging him to be more “thankful” for U.S. support. “You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel,” Trump told the Ukrainian leader. He also pushed Zelensky to negotiate with Russia, stating, “You either make a deal or we’re out.”
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was also present, joined in, accusing Zelensky of being “disrespectful.” When Zelensky attempted to respond, he was cut off. The conversation became even more heated when Trump insisted that Ukraine must make “compromises” to achieve peace with Russia.
“You can’t do any deals without compromises. So certainly, he’s going to have to make some compromises, but hopefully, they won’t be as big as some people think,” Trump said.
Zelensky strongly disagreed, showing Trump images of destruction in Ukraine and referencing war crimes committed by Russian forces. “There should be no compromises with a killer on our territory,” he said. He also spoke about the forced deportation of Ukrainian children and other atrocities, calling Russian forces “crazy.”
Trump reacted angrily, saying Zelensky was not showing enough gratitude. “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people,” Trump said. “You’re gambling with World War Three, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country.”
The argument marked a major public breakdown in the already tense relationship between the two leaders. Initially, the meeting seemed to start on a more positive note, with Zelensky expressing optimism.
“I think President Trump is on our side,” he had said earlier. He also planned to discuss the importance of a U.S. security “backstop” to support European peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine.
However, Trump’s shifting stance on U.S. support for Ukraine has raised concerns in Kyiv and among European allies. While previous U.S. policy strongly backed Ukraine’s efforts to resist Russia, Trump has now positioned himself as a mediator between Putin and Zelensky.
Trump revealed that he has spoken to Putin multiple times, including a recent phone call in February. He claimed a truce between Ukraine and Russia is “fairly close.”
Additionally, he mentioned a planned deal allowing U.S. companies to access Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals, saying it would be “very fair” and could help Ukraine recover economically after a ceasefire.
Despite the tension, Zelensky urged Trump to visit Ukraine in person. “You have to come and look,” he told the U.S. president.
