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On February 28, 2025, U.S. PresidentDonald Trump and Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskyy held a highly contentious, televised bilateral meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C.,[1] in the midst of the Russo-Ukrainian War. The meeting abruptly ended without a clear resolution and without the expected signing of an agreement concerning Ukraine's rare-earth minerals,[2] the idea for which was originally proposed by Ukraine to the U.S. in 2024.[3][4] Trump and U.S. Vice PresidentJD Vance openly criticized, made accusations, and raised their voices at Zelenskyy during the discussions. The incident marked the first time in U.S. history that a sitting president verbally attacked a visiting head of state on camera in such a manner.[5][6]
Leading up to the meeting, there were tensions between the Trump administration, which wanted Ukraine to make concessions to Russia in order to swiftly end the war, and Zelenskyy's government, which distrusted Russia's commitment to abide by its agreements and objected to such concessions.[7][8]
The meeting was widely characterized by its confrontational and antagonistic tone, drawing significant criticism from the media and the international community. Nearly all U.S. allies, along with other global figures, swiftly voiced their support for Zelenskyy following the confrontation,[9][10] with many issuing statements that appeared to rebuke Trump's confrontational approach.[11] In contrast, Russian officials praised the outcome of the meeting and directed criticism toward Zelenskyy.[12] In the US, reactions were divided along partisan lines–members of Trump's party, the Republican Party, largely commended his conduct, while members of the Democratic Party widely condemned it.[13][14]
The meeting took place against the backdrop of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, which began with Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and escalated with Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. By 2025, Ukraine heavily relied on international aid, particularly from Western countries and the United States under the administration of Joe Biden, to counter Russian aggression without direct military involvement.[15] Zelenskyy, elected in 2019, had consistently sought robust international support to protect Ukraine's sovereignty.[16] Trump has a history of confrontation with Zelenskyy, having been impeached in 2019 for withholding arms shipments to Ukraine in an attempt to coerce the Ukrainian president into investigating Trump's political rival, Joe Biden.[17] Prior to becoming vice president, Vance had been critical of U.S. aid to Ukraine, having stated "I don't really care what happens to Ukraine one way or the other" in a 2022 interview.[18]
On the first day of his second term, Trump signed an executive order to freeze foreign humanitarian aid for ninety days,[19] and later defied a court order to lift the freeze.[20] This order impacted USAID,[21] which had pledged $16.4billion in humanitarian aid to Ukraine in 2023.[22] President Trump had made expenditures to foreign countries a central part of his campaign, and subsequently his presidency.[23] While Trump has claimed "about $350 billion" has been spent on Ukraine, fact-checkers have estimated that as little as $83billion has actually been disbursed, with the Congressional Research Service putting the number appropriated at $174billion, between 2022 and 2024.[24]
Trump had expressed a willingness to negotiate an agreement with Russia to end its invasion, reversing a longstanding U.S. policy of isolating Russia in response to its aggression.[25][26] After he returned to office and initiated a phone conversation with Russian president Vladimir Putin–the first by a United States president since the invasion began–Zelenskyy criticized him and stated that he had been "caught in a web of disinformation" from Russia. Trump subsequently criticized him on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he falsely accused Ukraine of starting the war and called Zelenskyy a "dictator" for not holding elections–even though the Ukrainian constitution prohibits elections during martial law, which was in effect in Ukraine at the time.[27] The Trump administration aligned with Russia at the United Nations, voting against a European-backed General Assembly resolution on February 24, 2025, to condemn Russia and demand a withdrawal of its troops from Ukraine.[28]
The Trump administration initially canceled Zelenskyy's trip to Washington one week beforehand but was persuaded by French president Emmanuel Macron to proceed with it.[29] The administration pressured Ukraine to agree to share revenue from its raw minerals with the United States,[30] and Zelenskyy had reportedly been planning to sign a deal related to raw minerals during his visit.[31]
Meeting
The full meeting (the initial exchange begins at 39:31)
The plan was to discuss further support for Ukraine in the context of concluding a framework agreement on minerals. The Ukrainian delegation opted for a mutually beneficial partnership that would provide security guarantees for Ukraine, not just the abandonment of its own resources.[32]
Prior to the meeting, officials from Trump's entourage asked Zelenskyy to wear a formal suit for the meeting,[33] which he had not done in public since Russia's invasion. Zelenskyy refused to do so, which reportedly offended Trump.[34][35]
The meeting was scheduled for 11:00 (UTC−5) in the Oval Office of the White House.[36] At approximately 11:20, Zelenskyy arrived at the White House from the Hay–Adams Hotel, where he and his advisors were staying. Trump met him at the entrance to the West Wing.[37] After shaking Zelenskyy's hand, he sarcastically remarked that he was "all dressed up today."[34][35]
Discussion
The meeting between the two leaders was initially cordial. At one point, a pro-Trump reporter, Brian Glenn, asked Zelenskyy why he wasn't wearing a suit, to which Zelenskyy answered that he would only wear one "after the war is finished".[38][35] Roughly 40 minutes into the meeting, Trump answered a press question about public security concerns in Poland, which Vance also responded to by criticizing the Biden administration and saying the "path to peace and the path to prosperity is maybe engaging in diplomacy."[39]
Zelenskyy responded to this, directly addressing Vance. Zelenskyy outlined the timeline of the Russo-Ukrainian war and how it had been stalled under multiple consecutive U.S. presidencies before the invasion in 2022. Zelenskyy then continued by saying he had signed a 2019 ceasefire agreement with Putin and other leaders of the Normandy Format, and explained that Russia had broken the agreement when it invaded, expressing concern that Russia could not be trusted to uphold their end of the bargain in diplomatic efforts.[a] He ended his response by asking, "What kind of diplomacy, JD, are you asking me about? What do you mean?"[39]
Vance then began raising his voice at Zelenskyy and responded that it was "the kind of diplomacy that's going to end the destruction of your country". He accused Zelenskyy of being "disrespectful" by "[coming] to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media", adding, "Right now, you guys are going around and forcing conscripts to the frontlines because you have manpower problems. You should be thanking the president."[40] This response has been reported by many[who?] as an out-of-context ambush.[6][41][42][43]
Trump began lecturing Zelenskyy after the latter stated that Trump and the US would "feel it in the future" if the Ukraine war were to turn in Russia's favor, to which Trump responded, "Don't tell us what we're going to feel." Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine had been fighting alone since the beginning of Russia's invasion, to which Trump replied that Ukraine had received a lot of aid paid for by American taxpayers. Trump also criticized Zelenskyy for refusing to make concessions to Russia and "gambling with World War III". Zelenskyy replied that he wanted a ceasefire but needed guarantees in the event Russia attempted to break it. Trump claimed that Ukraine was losing the war and told Zelenskyy, "You're not in a good position. You don't have the cards right now. With us you start having cards," to which Zelenskyy responded, "I'm not playing cards. I'm very serious, Mr. President. I'm very serious. I'm the president in a war."[44] Both Trump and Vance repeatedly interrupted Zelenskyy and made several allegations against him, including Vance accusing Zelenskyy of supporting the Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign, and both repeatedly accused him of being disrespectful and not being thankful enough.[45][39]
The meeting ended without a firm resolution,[47] after the discussion led to yelling and "furious argument"[48] where Trump and his vice president "scolded" and berated the Ukrainian president. Zelenskyy left earlier than expected after the exchange, with the cancellation of joint news conferences and the signing of the minerals agreement.[49][6][50]
Trump had later reportedly consulted Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and other top advisers after the exchange and eventually came to the conclusion that Zelenskyy was "not in a place to negotiate".[51] According to The New York Times and CNN, U.S. officials then decided to ask Zelenskyy to leave, with the Ukrainian delegation waiting in the Roosevelt Room while Rubio and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz were sent to deliver the message.[51][52] Waltz later recounted to Fox News that some Ukrainian representatives were "practically in tears" but Zelenskyy remained "argumentative".[53] A Ukrainian representative suggested arranging another meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy to defuse tensions, but the Americans declined,[52][54] with Trump later saying it was not convenient.[55]
Zelenskyy's motorcade left the White House courtyard at 13:42, returning to the Hay–Adams Hotel.[56]
Reactions
Ukraine
Zelenskyy and presidency
Zelenskyy issued an initial statement on social media following the meeting, thanking Trump, the United States Congress, and the American people for their support. He added that "Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that".[57][12] In a later interview with Bret Baier of Fox News, he described the meeting as a "kind of spat" which was "not good for both sides" and refused to apologize to Trump. He did, however, express interest in repairing their relationship.[58] Zelenskyy additionally expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support from leaders around the world, acknowledging their solidarity through social media and thanking each leader individually with the message: "Thank you for your support."[54]Andriy Yermak, the head of the Presidential Office who sat with Zelenskyy during the meeting, said that security was "not just a word. It means life, a future without sirens, without losses, without fear for our loved ones", and expressed gratitude for United States support for Ukraine.[59]
Zelenskyy later issued a lengthier statement again thanking the United States for its support and expressing his hope for "strong relations with America" and the Trump administration.[60]
Government
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal backed Zelenskyy, stating he was "right" because "peace without guarantees is not possible." He warned that a "ceasefire without guarantees" would lead to "Russian occupation of the entire European continent."[10] Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba described Zelenskyy's actions as "unwavering commitment to Ukraine's interests and devotion to his country". Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov described the confrontation as "another Putin trap" which "failed", and praised Zelenskyy "for the courage to call things by their proper names, and to defend our people's honour". Foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said on social media that Zelenskyy had "the bravery and strength to stand up for what is right", adding that Ukraine has "always been and will continue to be grateful to America for its support".[61][59]
A prominent politician, Mustafa Nayyem, who served in Zelenskyy's government, said that the Trump administration "doesn't just dislike us. They despise us …. as a country."[63]Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who rarely comments on political matters, reaffirmed the armed forces' support for Zelenskyy and emphasized the need for unity.[10]Oleksandr Merezhko, the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's legislature) said that the Rada backed Zelenskyy, and said he did not believe that Trump would propose a plan appeasing Russia.[64] Opposition MP Inna Sovsun said that she was shocked, but "Under no circumstances should we agree to calls for the President to resign, and I'm saying that as an Opposition MP. That defies the very idea of a democracy'. She said that Ukraine needed to find another mediator to negotiate with the US.[65]
According to the Associated Press, many ordinary Ukrainians were "unfazed" by the row, but generally agreed that Zelenskyy "had stood up for their country's dignity and interests by firmly maintaining his stance in the face of chiding from some of the world's most powerful men", while some argued that he should have listened to Trump's point of view. Social media commentators sided in favor of Zelenskyy following Glenn's criticism of him not wearing a suit. Blogger and journalist Ilia Ponomorenko noted that Trump would have "found a reason to get offended" even if Zelenskyy had remained silent, adding, "Ukraine is the coolest country in the world right now – again."[62][61]
United States
Trump administration
Following the meeting, Trump issued a statement on his platform Truth Social describing the meeting as "very meaningful", helping him determine that Zelenskyy was "not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations".[6] During a brief press availability before departing to Mar-a-Lago for the weekend, he said Zelenskyy "overplayed his hand" and accused him of prolonging the Russo-Ukrainian war.[66]
Members of Trump's cabinet publicly supported him on social media and in television interviews. Rubio expressed support for Trump's actions and refused to blame Russia for the war, saying he was "not going to fall into this trap of who is bad and who's evil." On Fox News, Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, described Zelenskyy as "rude" and "antagonistic".[52][67][52] Waltz alleged that Zelenskyy had heard from Trump's predecessor Joe Biden, "as long as it takes, as much as it takes, blank check", and that he had "not gotten the memo that this is a new sheriff in town". He rejected accusations that both Trump and Vance "ambushed" the Ukrainian president.[68] Bessent described Zelenskyy's response as "one of the great diplomatic own goals in history". Deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller called the exchange "one of the great moments in the history of American diplomacy".[69]Elon Musk, the head of Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, wrote that Zelenskyy "destroyed himself in the eyes of the American people".[70][59] Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard accused Zelenskyy of "drag[ging] the United States into a nuclear war with Russia/WW3 for years".[53]
Republican Party
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who belongs to Trump's Republican Party, stated that the "days of America being taken advantage of and disrespected are OVER."[53]
Most Republican senators supported Trump and Vance, including Mike Lee, who praised the two "for standing up to our country and putting America first", and Jim Banks, who accused Zelenskyy of "ungratefully expect[ing] us to bankroll and escalate another forever war–all while disrespecting the President" and "working Americans".[71]Lindsey Graham, the senior senator from South Carolina, described the outcome as a "complete, utter disaster" and criticized Zelenskyy, saying he had "never been more proud" of Trump, who he said was "in a very good mood" during the meeting.[72][73] Graham also suggested that Zelenskyy should resign, which the latter rejected.[74][75]Josh Hawley, the senior senator from Missouri, called for "accountability" in reference to U.S. financial assistance to Ukraine. Representative Victoria Spartz, a Ukrainian-American, accused Zelenskyy of "doing a serious disservice to the Ukrainian people insulting the American President and the American people–just to appease Europeans and increase his low polling in Ukraine after he failed miserably to defend his country."[67]
Conversely, representative Don Bacon, a moderate Republican, said that the events were a "bad day for America's foreign policy" and that Ukraine wanted "to be part of the West. Russia hates us and our Western values. We should be clear that we stand for freedom." Representative Brian Fitzpatrick described the turn of events as "heartbreaking" and expressed optimism that Trump and Zelenskyy would return to a future discussion to find a "mutually agreeable solution".[76] Representative Mike Lawler pointed out the meeting was "a missed opportunity for both the United States and Ukraine" and described the exchange between the leaders as "a disaster — especially for Ukraine".[59] Former representative Adam Kinzinger, who served on the House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack, said, "I hate to say this … but the United States right now is not the good guys in this."[69]Susan Collins, the senior senator from Maine, criticized the "deterioration of the discussion among President Trump, Vice President Vance, and President Zelenskyy" and advocated a "more productive meeting to advance the cause of a just and lasting peace for the people of Ukraine, who have been so brutally attacked by Vladimir Putin."[77]Lisa Murkowski, the senior senator from Alaska, also rebuked the Trump administration for "walking away from our allies and embracing Putin", which she said made her "sick to her stomach".[68]
Democratic Party
Lawmakers of the Democratic Party defended Zelenskyy and condemned Trump's and Vance's behavior. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer commented that Trump and Vance were "doing Putin's dirty work" and added that the Democrats would "never stop fighting for freedom and democracy". House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries called the exchange "appalling", and said that the United States "must not reward Russian aggression".[72] Representative Gregory Meeks, who sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, described Trump as "an existential danger", "a petulant child that demands displays of loyalty in court, and a tyrant with sympathies for autocrats and dictators, so long as they stroke his ego or enrich him and his family". Meeks added that Trump's actions "insulted the generations of Americans who fought and died to build America's standing in the world".[71][59]
Adam Schiff, the junior senator from California, said: "A hero and a coward are meeting in the Oval Office today. And when the meeting is over, the hero will return home to Ukraine." Amy Klobuchar, the senior senator from Minnesota, wrote that the Ukrainian president had thanked the U.S. "over and over again" and that the Americans owed him thanks for having "stood up to a dictator, buried their own & stopped Putin from marching right into the rest of Europe". Sheldon Whitehouse, the junior senator from Rhode Island, who met with Zelenskyy earlier in the day, also accused Trump and Vance of "acting like ventriloquist dummies for Putin".[71]Mark Kelly, the senior senator from Arizona, described the meeting's outcome as a "gift" for Putin, saying that he "and his cronies are probably popping champagne bottles right now".[12]
Fourteen Democratic governors issued a joint statement condemning Zelenskyy's treatment. The governors criticized Trump and Vance for using the "sacred Oval Office to berate President Zelenskyy for not trusting Vladimir Putin's word."[52]
Russia
Former president, former prime minister and deputy chairman of the Security CouncilDmitry Medvedev tweeted that the "insolent pig finally got a proper slap down in the Oval Office", and expressed support for Trump. In a separate post on Telegram, Medvedev said that Zelenskyy had received a "fierce scolding in the Oval Office" and called him an "ungrateful swine". He urged Trump to suspend military aid to Ukraine. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova also wrote on Telegram: "How Trump and Vance exercised restraint and didn't punch this scumbag is a miracle of restraint." In an official statement on the Foreign Ministry website, Zakharova echoed Trump's view and accused Zelenskyy of "ugly and boorish behavior".[12][63]
Konstantin Kosachev, a deputy chairman of the Federation Council, said that Zelenskyy "lost this round with a deafening crash. And he will have to crawl on his knees for the next one".[12]Aleksey Pushkov, a member of the Federation Council, commented that the Trump administration would "now start looking more closely at other candidates for Ukraine's presidency".[78]
State media expressed shock at the "breakdown in diplomacy" but expressed support for Trump's conduct. News anchor Alexander Kareevsky commented that the meeting "stopped observing the limits of decency" and had not seen any equivalent in "diplomatic history". A correspondent for Russia-24 noted that "it is clear that there can be no talk of any deliveries or further weapons" to Ukraine, and that Zelenskyy was "leaving with nothing".[59]Margarita Simonyan, the head of Russian state-controlled media outlet RT, commented that "the Oval Office has seen a lot, but never this. We were watching world history live on air right now."[79]
On Telegram, pro-war bloggers voiced their support for Trump and his portrayal of Zelenskyy as "an ungrateful child". Analyst and government adviser Fyodor Lukyanov[ru] described the confrontation as "a fundamental shift", and said that Zelenskyy "underestimated the scale of the shift that took place in American politics" in the Trump era. Anton Grishanov, a researcher at a think-tank affiliated with the Foreign Ministry, said the meeting was a "tragicomic" discussion which would "undoubtedly weaken Zelenskyy's position within Ukraine and give Russian diplomacy additional leverage in its dealings with the US".[78]
Other countries
Governments
Australia – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese voiced his support for Ukraine and called on Russia to end its invasion.[80]
Austria – Acting Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg reaffirmed his support for Ukraine, while the country's foreign ministry declared: "Russia is the aggressor and we share Ukraine's commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace!"[72]
Belgium – Prime Minister Bart De Wever voiced his support for Ukraine, stating, "Their fight is our fight. United, we are strong."[81]
Brazil – President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva remarked that Zelenskyy was "humiliated" by Trump, saying that "diplomacy, since planet Earth was created, since diplomacy was created, has not seen a scene as grotesque, as disrespectful as the one that took place in the Oval Office of the White House."[82]
Bulgaria – Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov tweeted, "Ukraine, be brave, be strong. We stand by you."[83] President Rumen Radev, an opponent of Western aid to Ukraine,[84] described Zhelyazkov's stance as a "losing position" and described the meeting as a clash of what he alleged was Trump demanding "an immediate end to the senseless bloodshed" and Zelenskyy wanting "to continue the war at all costs".[85][86]
Canada – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly commented on the meeting, supporting Ukraine, without commenting on Trump.[87]
Croatia – Prime Minister Andrej Plenković affirmed that they stand "firm" in their belief that Ukraine needs "a peace that means sovereignty, territorial integrity, and a secure Europe."[88]
Czech Republic – Prime Minister Petr Fiala said that Europe was facing "a historic test" and needed to protect itself against foreign threats, calling for increased military spending by European countries. He added, "If we don't increase our effort fast enough and let the aggressor [Russia] dictate its conditions, we won't end up well."[68] President Petr Pavel voiced his country's support for Ukraine and called on Europe "to step up its efforts".[54]
Denmark – Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen voiced her support for Zelenskyy.[89] Her predecessor and foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen wrote on Facebook: "There must be room for robust conversations - even between friends. But when it happens in front of rolling cameras like that, there is only one winner. And he sits in the Kremlin."[54]
European Union – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commended Zelenskyy's "dignity and bravery," reaffirming the European Union's unwavering commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. European Council President Antonio Costa strongly supported Zelenskyy, assuring him that he was "never alone" and urging him to "be strong, be brave, be fearless."[90] European Parliament President Roberta Metsola emphasized that Ukraine is not alone in its struggle. Additionally, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas criticized Trump's approach, stating that "the free world needs a new leader" and underscoring Europe's resolve to back Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian aggression.[91][54]
Estonia – Foreign minister Margus Tsahkna said: "The only obstacle to peace is Putin's decision to continue his war of aggression. If Russia stops fighting, there will be no war. If Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no Ukraine. Estonia's support to Ukraine remains unwavering."[54]
Finland – Prime Minister Petteri Orpo reaffirmed Finland's strong support for Ukraine, stating, "Finland and the Finnish people stand firmly with Ukraine. We will continue our unwavering support and work towards a just and lasting peace."[92] President Alexander Stubb expressed shock and disappointment over the events, calling them unprecedented in the history of international diplomacy. "It was a diplomatic failure with only one winner, who wasn't even present: Vladimir Putin," Stubb remarked.[93]
France – President Emmanuel Macron called Russia an "aggressor" and Ukraine an "assaulted people" and said that France and its allies were "right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago and to continue doing so". He made a particular nod to Trump's comment during the meeting: "If anyone is gambling with World War III, his name is Vladimir Putin."[94][69]
Georgia – Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said that the reactions to the meeting showed that the "deep state and the Global War Party, who want to fight until the last Ukrainian, will not give up on waging war so easily". Kobakhidze emphasized the negative effects of the positions of "the Brussels bureaucrats and speakers like Jeanne Shaheen". He expressed hope that Trump and his "peaceful initiatives" would prevail, because "the sooner the war in Ukraine ends, the fewer Ukrainians will die and the sooner the peace will prevail". He wished Trump "endurance and courage in this difficult struggle".[95][96]
Germany – Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated Germany's commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and condemned Russia's ongoing aggression. He added "no one wants peace more than the citizens of Ukraine".[97][72]
Ireland – Taoiseach Micheál Martin said, "We've got to hold our nerve in Europe. We've got to get behind Ukraine, engage with the United States and others, with a view to giving Ukraine the security that it requires."[100]Simon Harris, the Tánaiste and minister for foreign affairs, tweeted, "Ukraine is not to blame for this war brought about by Russia's illegal invasion. We stand with Ukraine."[101][72]
Italy – Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stressed the importance of unity and called for an emergency summit between European countries, the United States and Ukraine.[91] She emphasized that any division within the West weakens all and benefits those who wish to see the decline of Western civilization.[102] Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini voiced his support for Trump and called on him to "stop this war".[103]
Japan – Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized that diplomacy is not about letting emotions clash, it is about "patience and compassion", so that peace can be achieved. He stated that Japan would "do everything it can to prevent division between the United States, Ukraine and the Group of Seven nations."[104][105]
Moldova – President Maia Sandu reaffirmed Moldova's steadfast support for Ukraine. Sandu stated: "The truth is simple. Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine defends its freedom—and ours. We stand with Ukraine."[109][54]
Montenegro – President Jakov Milatović reaffirmed Montenegro's support of "a just and lasting peace in Ukraine" and that the country "stands with its people in their pursuit of peace."[110]
New Zealand – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that his country remained "steadfast in its support for Ukraine as it defends itself in a war that Russia started", and called on Russia to end its invasion.[59]
Norway – Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre described the meeting as "serious and disheartening", in particular saying that Trump's accusation that Zelenskyy was "gambling with World War III" was "deeply unreasonable and a statement I distance myself from".[91]
Poland – Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who previously met with Trump as President of the European Council, expressed support for Zelenskyy and Ukraine, writing on social media: "Dear @ZelenskyyUa, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone."[112][91][63] Tusk was the first world leader to comment about the event on social media.[113] President Andrzej Duda, a supporter of both Ukraine and Trump, said that Zelenskyy "should return to this table, sit calmly at this table, remain calm, negotiate a solution that will make Ukraine safe".[68]
Portugal – Prime Minister Luís Montenegro expressed support for Ukraine. In a message directed to Zelenskyy, Montenegro stated: "Ukraine can always count on Portugal."[109]
Romania – Acting President Ilie Bolojan stressed Ukraine's importance to European security, stating: "The security of Ukraine is crucial for the security of Europe. We all need to stand together to fight for our values, freedom, and peace."[72]
Slovakia – Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Slovakia would refuse to provide financial and military support to Ukraine and called for a ceasefire, which he said Zelenskyy and a large number of EU member states rejected. He also called for the restoration of Russian gas transit to Slovakia and Western Europe.[114]
Slovenia – Prime Minister Robert Golob reaffirmed Slovenia's strong support for Ukraine, stating, "Russia is an aggressor, and Ukraine is under attack. Ukraine is not only fighting for itself but for the security of all of Europe. We will continue to support and assist Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved."[115]
Sweden – The office of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed support for Ukraine and stated "You are not only fighting for your freedom but also for all of Europe's."[9]
Switzerland – President Karin Keller-Sutter reaffirmed Switzerland's stance, stating that the country remains "firmly committed to supporting a just and lasting peace, while condemning Russia's aggression against a sovereign state."[10]
In an interview, former president of France François Hollande stated, "Even if the American people remain our friends, the Trump administration itself is no longer our ally." He emphasized that recent events indicated a possible "divorce" between Europe and the United States in the near future.[118]Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, described the exchange as a "slap in the face" for Europe but added the manner in which it occurred "did not particularly surprise" her.[119][120]
Fifth president of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili[b] voiced her support for Ukraine in a statement posted on social media, which said, "Those who understand what it means to defend one's territory, independence, and freedom—not once, but repeatedly over the past two centuries—are siding with you, Mr. President." She also criticized Trump, remarking: "Not sure this is a demonstration of America First […] looks more like America seconding Putin's Russia. At a time when we all need a strong America alongside a stronger Europe. It seems we are finally seeing the latter emerge!" Additionally, in response to former French diplomat Gérard Araud, Zourabichvili condemned Glenn's "mocking" question to Zelenskyy about his attire, praising the Ukrainian leader for standing firm and securing support from leaders of the European Union.[96]
Friedrich Merz, the concurrent German opposition leader who is expected to become the next Chancellor, vowed to stand with Ukraine "in good and in testing times." Merz also stated that "We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war."[97]Tino Chrupalla, a co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, called for peace but described Zelenskyy as "beggarly".[121]
Several Dutch politicians, including Dilan Yeşilgöz and Pieter Omtzigt, showed their respect for Zelenskyy and several opposition parties, including GroenLinks–PvdA and Democrats 66, criticized Trump's behavior. Geert Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom, described the meeting as "Fascinating TV, but not necessarily the best way to end a war, gentlemen."[111]
In the United Kingdom, former prime minister Boris Johnson noted that "cool heads" should prevail and praised Zelenskyy's leadership, adding both Ukraine and the United States were "on the same side."[122]Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, emphasized the need for Ukraine to have the right security guarantees, calling the altercation in the Oval Office "regrettable" and saying that it would "make Putin feel like the winner."[123]Stephen Gethins, the foreign affairs spokesman for the Scottish National Party, said that the invitation for Trump to visit Scotland from King Charles III–in a letter which had been given to Trump by Starmer in his visit the day before–should be reconsidered unless he showed more support for Ukraine.[124]
NATO – Secretary General Mark Rutte described the outcome of the meeting as "very unfortunate", but urged Zelenskyy "to restore his relationship" with Trump and his administration.[126]
Media
The meeting made domestic and international headlines, noted for its fiery, confrontational, and antagonistic tone by multiple news outlets.[49][47][48][127][6][128]Fox News called it an "explosive confrontation".[127]CNN noted that "never before has an American president verbally attacked his visitor like Trump did to Zelenskyy", and published a fact-check underlining that Zelenskyy had thanked the US at least 33 times in English since January 2022, despite Trump's and Vance's claims to the contrary, and that this in particular did not include a review of his "many domestic remarks in Ukrainian".[6][129]The New York Times highlighted that Trump's aggressive behavior and harsh words towards Zelenskyy shattered the three-year wartime partnership between the United States and Ukraine. The meeting, described as a "shouting match" broadcast to the world, underscored Trump's increasing willingness to sacrifice Ukraine for his broader vision of rebuilding relations with Russia and abandoning traditional alliances.[130] An op-ed by The Washington Post noted Trump "sounded more like Don Corleone than an American president".[131]
Many newspapers in the United Kingdom highlighted the meeting,[132] including The Guardian, which described it as "one of the greatest diplomatic disasters in modern history" and particularly singled out Vance for his role in starting the confrontation.[49][133]Janet Daley, writing for The Daily Telegraph, described America under Trump as an "imperial plutocracy" in light of the meeting.[134] Canada's CBC News compared the leaders' exchange to the 1959 Kitchen Debate between then-vice president Richard Nixon and Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev.[135]
The confrontation has been widely reported as a significant new low point in European–United States relations. The Wall Street Journal described the meeting as "imploding", highlighting its potential to undermine hopes for peace and casting doubt on future U.S. support for Ukraine.[136]NPR commented that American foreign policy under Trump now "downplays alliances and is open for business with any country — depending on what's in it for the United States in the short run".[137] An NBC News analysis noted the argument represented "Trump's deep impatience with Ukraine and its democratically elected president, and his persistent defense of Russia's autocratic ruler".[138]Ravi Agrawal, the editor-in-chief of Foreign Policy, commented that Trump had "pushed the boundaries of press attention" and ensured that "a freewheeling discussion was aired out in front of the world's cameras" during every bilateral meeting at the White House.[139][69] Several columnists suggested that Trump's actions could be seen as aligning with Russian interests and signaling an ongoing shift in U.S. foreign policy away from Atlanticism.[140][141][142]
↑ In December 2019, a ceasefire agreement was signed for the eastern region of Ukraine, specifically the Donbas region. The agreement was created by the leaders of the Normandy Format at the time–Putin, Zelenskyy, Macron, and concurrent German chancellor Angela Merkel. This took place during the first presidency of Donald Trump.'"`UNIQ--ref-0000008E-QINU`"''"`UNIQ--ref-0000008F-QINU`"'
↑ Ravid, Barak (February 28, 2025). "Inside the Oval: How Trump's team sent Zelensky home with no deal and no meal". Axios. Retrieved March 1, 2025. Trump's advisers told Zelensky's team on multiple occasions that it would be more respectful for Zelensky to ditch his military-style attire when visiting the White House. Zelensky arrived at the White House wearing a more formal black outfit with Ukraine's national symbol, but without a suit.
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