Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to return to the Oval Office on Monday for the first time since a tense confrontation with Donald Trump led to abbreviated talks and uncertainties about continued US support.
During their February 28 meeting, Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky on live television, accusing him of being ungrateful for US assistance since Russia’s invasion three years ago, and urged for swift negotiations to end the conflict.
The contentious encounter marked a shift in Kyiv-Washington relations, previously warm under former President Joe Biden, sparking concerns that Trump might halt US military support.
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The situation quickly worsened after a lengthy Q&A session with the press.
Vance accused Zelensky of showing “disrespect” and lacking gratitude for Trump’s diplomatic efforts, as the Ukrainian leader expressed doubts about trusting Russian President Vladimir Putin due to his history of breaking agreements.
As Zelensky defended his stance in English, Trump grew frustrated with his suggestion that while the US was currently distant from the conflict, “you will feel it in the future” if they appeased Putin.
“You don’t know that. You don’t know that. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. We’re trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel,” Trump retorted, adding: “You’re not in a good position. You don’t have the cards right now.”
As tensions rose, Vance demanded Zelensky thank the US for the billions in military aid given to Kyiv.
“Have you said ‘thank you’ once?” he inquired. When Zelensky tried to answer, Trump interrupted.
“No, no. You’ve done a lot of talking. Your country is in big trouble,” Trump said, cutting him off.
Shortly after, Zelensky left the White House without finalizing a mineral rights deal, a primary goal of his visit.
In the days following, the US temporarily cut off military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, raising European fears that Trump might align with Putin to end the conflict.
Changing Dynamics
Since then, much has changed.
Trump, who previously admired Putin, began losing patience as Russia continued its military aggression, despite US envoy Steve Witkoff’s efforts for a ceasefire.
In April, Trump met Zelensky at the Vatican, accusing Putin of “stringing me along” without fulfilling promises.
Days later, Ukraine and the US signed a minerals deal, which Trump earlier termed as compensation for US aid.
The leaders also met in June during the NATO summit in The Hague.
On Friday, Trump and Putin met in Alaska to discuss the Ukrainian conflict, with Trump promising to consult Ukraine and European allies before finalizing any deal.
Following the Putin summit, Trump invited Zelensky to the Oval Office.
Cautious of past diplomatic tensions, Zelensky promptly expressed gratitude for the invitation.
European leaders will join Zelensky in Washington on Monday to prevent another Oval Office clash and to coordinate peace negotiations, especially to deter future Russian invasions.
The Trump administration now expresses willingness to provide Ukraine with security guarantees, a shift welcomed by Ukrainian and European leaders on Sunday.
Zelensky is expected to meet Trump one-on-one, followed by a meeting with European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, according to a European government source.
CNN reports that Zelensky’s former adversary, Vice President Vance, will also attend.
