Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the Oval Office for a meeting with Trump and his administration on Feb. 28 to discuss the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia and the proposed mineral deal between the U.S. and Ukraine, according to a CBS news article from March 3. The meeting went well up until the end when Vice President J.D. Vance claimed that Zelensky was not being appreciative enough of the Trump administration’s push for a ceasefire deal, according to the same CBS news article.
Additionally, Trump and Vance attacked the president of Ukraine, accusing him of not wanting to end the war badly enough. Trump stated numerous times that the cards are not in Zelensky’s favor and commented on his attitude. Some argued Trump was being too critical of Zelensky, and that the Ukrainian president’s desire for security guarantees are understandable. This type of fighting in the Oval Office in front of the whole world is unprecedented. The public usually sees the diplomatic sides of conservations, with the fighting being done behind closed doors.
Many also expressed frustration with Trump and Putin’s relationship, claiming that the two world leaders have gotten too close. Since this contentious Oval Office meeting, Trump has been demanding an apology from Zelensky and has frozen all U.S. aid to Ukraine amidst the ongoing tension between the U.S. and Ukraine, according to a CNN article from March 3. However, The Supreme Court did not allow Trump to freeze foreign aid, according to a New York Times article from March 5.
Now, European countries have stepped up to increase their military spending to ensure that Ukraine remains safe. In addition, on March 4, Trump made his annual speech to senators, representatives and distinguished guests to boost his track record these past few months as president. Trump said that Zelensky wrote a letter to Trump signaling that he is ready to make a peace deal.
