Trump Berates Zelenskyy in Tense Oval Office Meeting Over Ukraine Conflict

WASHINGTON (AP) — In an extraordinary confrontation on February 28, 2025, President Donald Trump engaged in a heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an Oval Office meeting focused on the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war. Trump scolded Zelenskyy for allegedly endangering lives and suggested that his actions could potentially lead to World War III.

The meeting, which aimed to solidify U.S. support for Ukraine, quickly escalated as Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy for not exhibiting sufficient gratitude for American assistance. The tensions prompted a premature conclusion to the talks, raising concerns about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.

Zelenskyy, seeking security guarantees from the U.S. as the war rages on, attempted to address allegations from Trump regarding diplomatic approaches to Russia. He asserted that previous administrations, including Trump’s own, failed to confront Russian aggression early on. “From the very beginning of the war, we’ve been alone,” Zelenskyy emphasized, expressing gratitude for U.S. aid while underscoring the complexities of negotiating peace.

Vance countered, arguing that Zelenskyy’s insistence on diplomatic discussions lacked respect for the U.S.’s efforts to end the conflict. He stated, “I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media.” The clash illuminated stark divisions in their perspectives on how to handle the war.

Trump’s raised voice filled the Oval Office as he confronted Zelenskyy, saying, “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people,” which added a dramatic tension to the meeting. “You’re not winning. You have a damn good chance of coming out OK because of us,” he continued, asserting that U.S. military support was essential to Ukraine’s survival in the war.

Zelenskyy attempted to clarify his stance on ceasefire discussions, stating that the war’s end must come with guarantees for Ukraine’s security. “Of course we want to stop the war. But I said to you, with guarantees,” he pleaded. The exchange highlighted the intricate balance between seeking peace and maintaining national sovereignty in the face of ongoing hostility.

The conversation revealed deeper issues regarding U.S. foreign policy and the expectations placed on Ukraine as the conflict drags on. Trump stated, “You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards,” indicating that he believes U.S. support is critical for Zelenskyy’s negotiation power.

As the meeting concluded, Trump expressed that he thought the airing of their disagreements was helpful for American viewers, summarizing, “I think it’s good for the American people to see what’s going on,” potentially foreshadowing the political ramifications that would follow this intense confrontation.

Gomez Licon writes about national politics for The Associated Press. She is based in Florida.