Trump-Zelenskyy talks ended in confrontation and tension

US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met on February 28, 2025, for talks that began positively but quickly turned confrontational. Trump initially praised Zelenskyy but later criticized him for not showing enough gratitude for US support in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Tensions escalated during the meeting, particularly between Zelenskyy and Vice President JD Vance, who suggested Zelenskyy should engage in diplomacy with Russia. Zelenskyy pushed back, highlighting Russia's past aggression, while Trump accused him of being disrespectful and not recognizing US assistance. The meeting ended abruptly without signing a minerals deal that had been anticipated. Trump later posted on social media, suggesting Zelenskyy return when ready for peace. The exchange highlighted deep divisions over Ukraine's approach to the conflict and US support.