New York: Hours after US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Volodymyr Zelensky of not being ‘thankful’, the Ukrainian President took to social media and personally thanked every world leader who had expressed solidarity with his country.
This comes after a heated meeting at the White House with Trump and Vance. The meeting ended in a tense standoff.
Thank you for your support. https://t.co/aic9cYvy8R
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 1, 2025
European leaders issued statements in support of Kyiv. Zelensky systematically expressed gratitude to each of them in response.
What happened at the Oval office?
On Friday, an extraordinary shouting contest erupted in the Oval Office. This happened when Trump lashed out at Zelensky, accusing him of not being ‘thankful’ enough for US military aid. The confrontation ended with the Ukrainian president leaving the White House abruptly without securing a minerals deal. This deal had been touted as a potential step toward a US-brokered ceasefire.
Watch this carefully. Very important.
pic.twitter.com/wdM3XdbrH1— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 28, 2025
During the meeting, Trump and Vance criticised Zelensky for failing to acknowledge American support in Ukraine’s war effort. Trump told Zelensky that Kyiv’s ability to resist Russian aggression was entirely dependent on US aid.
“You don’t have the cards right now,” Trump said. “You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out, and if we’re out, you’ll fight it out, and I don’t think it’s going to be pretty,” the US President warned.
Just after this, Zelensky left the White House. Thereafter, Trump posted on social media that the Ukrainian leader “can come back when he is ready for peace.”
The anticipated minerals deal was left unsigned. A planned joint press conference between Trump and Zelensky was cancelled. US media reported that Trump administration officials had instructed Zelensky to leave the premises following the argument.
