A tense argument broke out in the Oval Office on Friday as Trump criticised Zelenskyy. The exchange highlighted the uncertain future of U.S. aid to Kyiv. It was the first time an American president openly confronted a visiting leader.
Trump welcomed Zelenskyy, calling it an "honour" to have him there and mentioned how things have worked out great in the past. The meeting started with smiles and compliments, and it was meant to ease tensions. Trump described it as an "exciting moment" as they signed a landmark deal granting access to Ukraine’s critical minerals, aiming to facilitate a peace agreement with Russia.
Trump and Zelenskyy met to discuss a significant mineral resources deal, which Trump previously described as a key step toward a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire. The agreement was seen as a potential move toward securing U.S. involvement in ending the conflict.
During the meeting, JD Vance criticised Biden, sparking a debate with Zelenskyy over diplomacy. Vance accused Zelenskyy of lacking gratitude toward Trump, while Zelenskyy challenged his understanding of the war. Vance dismissed Zelenskyy’s remarks as propaganda and insisted him to thank Trump.
Trump warned Zelenskyy that Ukraine was in serious trouble, stating, “You’re not winning this, but you have a chance because of us.” He criticized Ukraine’s position, saying Zelenskyy had put his country in a difficult situation. As tensions escalated, Trump accused Zelenskyy of risking millions of lives and potentially triggering World War III. Trump even asked if Zelenskyy had thanked them.
During a tense exchange, Brian Glenn, Chief White House Correspondent for Real America's Voice, criticised Zelenskyy for not wearing a suit suggesting many Americans viewed it as disrespectful. Zelenskyy, who has wearing combat gear since Russia's 2022 invasion, brushed off the remark, saying he had more pressing concerns and would wear a suit after the war possibly an even better one than Glenn’s.
Since 2022, the U.S. has allocated $119.5 billion to Ukraine, with $67 billion for military support and the rest for humanitarian and financial aid. A widely cited $175 billion includes all aid approved by Congress, but only $106 billion directly supports Ukraine’s government. The U.S. inspector general estimates total spending related to the war, including funds used in the U.S. and other countries, at $183 billion.
If the deal had gone through, Ukraine would have shared 50% of its future revenues from natural resources and related infrastructure with the joint fund. This would have secured U.S. involvement in Ukraine’s resource sector, potentially strengthening Kyiv’s position in negotiations with Moscow and providing financial support for reconstruction and defense efforts.
