World
- Trump insists he is neutral, focused on securing peace, and aligned with global stability.
- Zelensky challenges Trump's approach, citing past Russian actions and broken agreements.
- JD Vance accuses Zelensky of disrespecting US support, urging appreciation for American aid.
A tense and fiery discussion unfolded in the Oval Office as former US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Senator JD Vance debated the ongoing war in Ukraine, the role of diplomacy, and the effectiveness of US support.
Trump defended his approach to diplomacy, stating, "I'm not aligned with Putin, I'm not aligned with anybody. I'm aligned with the United States of America and for the good of the world." He emphasised that negotiations require balance, arguing that taking an overly aggressive stance against Russia would make peace efforts impossible.
Zelensky, however, pushed back, questioning the effectiveness of past diplomatic efforts. He pointed out that Russia had occupied parts of Ukraine since 2014 and that previous ceasefires had been broken. "We signed ceasefire agreements, but he broke them. He killed our people and didn’t exchange prisoners," Zelensky said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Vance then accused Zelensky of being ungrateful for the extensive military and financial aid provided by the US. "You should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to this conflict," Vance said. He also criticised Ukraine's handling of its military recruitment, claiming that forced conscriptions were occurring due to manpower shortages.
The exchange grew even more heated as Zelensky defended Ukraine’s resistance and the struggles it has faced since the beginning of the war. "We are thankful," he insisted. "From the very beginning, we have stood strong, even when we were alone."
Trump repeatedly asserted that US military aid had been critical for Ukraine's survival, stating, "If you didn't have our military equipment, this war would have been over in two weeks." He also insisted that a ceasefire was the best immediate option, saying, "If you could get a ceasefire right now, I tell you, you take it."
The conversation then turned to trust issues surrounding any future peace agreement. When asked about the possibility of Russia breaking a ceasefire, Trump responded dismissively, arguing that past agreements were only broken because Biden and Obama failed to command respect. "Putin didn’t break deals with me," he claimed.
As the discussion neared its end, Trump reiterated his frustration with Zelensky’s stance. "You don't have the cards. Without us, you don't have any cards," he stated, warning that continued resistance without a deal could lead to devastating consequences for Ukraine.
Despite the intense back-and-forth, Trump concluded by suggesting that the exchange would make for "great television."
If you watch the full Trump-Zelensky press conference, it is very clear that Zelensky, not Trump or Vance, became the antagonist. Both POTUS and VP were very respectful and cordial until Zelensky very publicly ignited a firestorm.
— Jordan Schachtel (@JordanSchachtel) February 28, 2025
It all starts at 40:30
1) Zelensky essentially… pic.twitter.com/xrM4cWSPny