Washington DC (TDI): The meeting between United States President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on February 28, 2025, ended abruptly following a heated exchange between them.
The dialogues further heated when Vice President JD Vance criticized Ukraine’s approach, prompting a sharp response from President Zelenskyy.
The discord led to the abrupt cancellation of the signing ceremony and a planned joint press conference after.
The international community reacted swiftly, with European countries including UK, Sweden, Australia, Canada, Germany and other states reaffirming their unwavering support for Ukraine:
Sweden
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson extended his support towards Ukraine. He also mentioned that he will soon conduct meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other colleagues to continue talks on Ukraine and security in Europe.
He said, “we continue to support Ukraine so that they can eventually negotiate peace from a position of strength.”
Ägnar lördagen åt att förbereda morgondagens möte i London. Storbritanniens premiärminister Keir Starmer har bjudit in mig och ett antal av våra kollegor till fortsatta samtal om Ukraina och säkerheten i Europa.
Under de senaste veckorna har jag haft samtal med president… pic.twitter.com/zS1j8eq4y6
— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) March 1, 2025
Germany
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed Germany’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and peace, stating, “We continue to stand by their side – for a just and lasting peace.”
Furthermore, he mentioned, “nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians do. Therefore we are working on a common path to a lasting and just peace”
For three years, the Ukrainians have been defending their country courageously and heroically against the Russian war of aggression. Day after day. Week after week. No one longs for peace more than they do.
We continue to stand by their side – for a just and lasting peace. pic.twitter.com/MFC1Boyupj
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) February 24, 2025
Canada
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, stressing the importance of standing with the Ukrainian people.
Trudeau highlighted Ukraine’s resilience, stating that for the past three years, Ukrainians have shown bravery and determination in their fight against Russia and to defend democracy.
Russia illegally and unjustifiably invaded Ukraine.
For three years now, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience. Their fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all.
Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and…
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 28, 2025
Australia
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called on Russia to end its invasion and voiced strong support for Ukraine.
For three years Australia has proudly supported the brave people of Ukraine in their struggle to defend their sovereignty against the brutality of Russian aggression and in support of international law.
Australia stands with Ukraine. 🇦🇺🇺🇦
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 1, 2025
United Kingdom
Prime Minister of UK Keir Starmer also reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine. He mentioned’ “Britain stands with Ukraine, today and always.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also host European leaders of and representatives of Canada and Turkey at a special defence summit soon which aimed at presenting a united forum on the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Action, not just words.
Britain stands with Ukraine, today and always 🇬🇧🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/pDFRjKQYH6
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) March 1, 2025
This heated exchange of dialogues between both Presidents led to the cancellation of a proposed minerals deal and raising concerns about the future of US-Ukraine relations.
The meeting, initially set to finalize a minerals agreement aimed at increasing US access to Ukraine’s rare earth elements. The meeting was quickly interrupted after President Trump accused President Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War III” by not pursuing peace negotiations with Russia.
Read More: Zelenskyy offers deal to Trump on critical minerals
After the meeting, President Trump decided to revisit the ongoing aid orders towards Ukraine and if the US should continue giving military help to Ukraine.
European countries are now playing a crucial role in helping Ukraine in its war against Russia.
Read More: Zelenskyy’s White House Visit Ends in Shouting Match with Trump
The tense meeting at the White House has raised critical question if the US will continue to support Ukraine and how this will affect the war with Russia.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
