Trump Says He Wants ‘Cease-Fire Now’ After Heated Meeting With Zelenskyy
After a heated argument with President Trump and Vice President Vance in the Oval Office, Zelenskyy was asked to leave without signing a minerals deal.
Trump: ‘I Want a Cease-fire Now’
WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump said that cease-fire talks cannot move forward because Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is rejecting the deal with Russia.
“I wanted it to end immediately. I want a cease-fire now,” Trump told reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House.
“He says, ‘Oh, I don’t want a cease-fire,” Trump said, referring to Zelenskyy. “Well, all of a sudden he’s a big shot, because he has the U.S. on the side.”
Trump warned that without U.S. support, the outcome of the war will be grim for Ukraine.
“Either we’re going to end it or let him fight it out. And if he fights it out, it’s not going to be pretty, because … without us, he doesn’t win.”
By Emel Akan
Watch: President Trump told me Zelenskyy “wants to come back right now” but he can’t invite him back to the White House now. Trump adds he wants peace but Zelenskyy wants to keep fighting. pic.twitter.com/6BF4x4jFOf
— Iris Tao (@IrisTaoTV) February 28, 2025
Hungary’s Orban: ‘Strong Men Make Peace’
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban praised President Donald Trump’s handling of the meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Strong men make peace, weak men make war,” Orban wrote in a social media post.
“Today President @realDonaldTrump stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr. President!”
Orban, a longtime Trump ally, is another advocate for ending the war between Ukraine and Russia.
His trip to Moscow last July to discuss peace with Russian President Vladimir Putin angered members of the European Parliament, who said it violated the European Union’s treaties and common foreign policy.
Pelosi, Schumer Accuse Trump Admin of Siding With Russia
Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer shared their rejection of Trump’s handling of his Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting the administration is siding with Russia.
“Putin must be overjoyed with today’s theatrics,” Pelosi said on X. “Following the U.S. vote in alignment with Russia at the United Nations this week, a disturbing pattern has emerged that is contrary to America’s longstanding support of democracy around the world.”
While she does not specify in her post, the U.S. voted against officially calling out Russia’s aggression and demanding immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, during U.N. resolution votes on Feb. 24.
Meanwhile, Schumer accused Trump and Vance of “doing Putin’s dirty work.”
“Senate Democrats will never stop fighting for freedom and democracy,” he wrote on X.
By T.J. Muscaro
Italy’s Meloni Calls for Immediate US–EU Summit on Ukraine
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for a meeting between U.S. and European Union leaders shortly after the clash in the Oval Office between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Feb. 28.
Meloni said in a statement that the meeting would allow the leaders “to speak frankly about how we intend to face today’s great challenges, starting with Ukraine.”
Meloni emphasized the need for Western powers to remain united in their position on Ukraine.
“Every division of the West makes us all weaker and favors those who would like to see the decline of our civilization,” the Italian leader said. “A division would not benefit anyone.”
By T.J. Muscaro
Macron: Ukraine Is Fighting for ‘Security of Europe’
Following the breakdown of discussions between the United States and Ukraine on Feb. 28, French President Emmanuel Macron said that Ukraine has been fighting for the security of Europe.
“There is an aggressor: Russia. There is a victim: Ukraine,” Macron wrote in a social media post on X.
He said that aiding Ukraine and sanctioning Russia was the right move from the start of the conflict three years ago.
“Thank you to all who have helped and continue to do so. And respect to those who have been fighting since the beginning—because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, their children, and the security of Europe.”
Cabinet Members Thank Trump, Vance for Stance With Zelenskyy
President Donald Trump’s Cabinet members have been thanking him and Vice President JD Vance for the stance they took during the Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Thank you, President Trump, for standing up for the American people and our nation on the global stage,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent wrote on the X platform.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared a similar message, thanking Trump for “standing up for America in a way that no President has ever had the courage to do before.”
“Thank you for putting America First,” Rubio said. “America is with you!”
Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expressed her appreciation for Vice President JD Vance.
“There is no doubt today that we have the right person alongside President Trump,” she wrote. “Thank you, @VP.”
White House Says Zelenskyy Was Asked to Leave
WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump directed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy be asked to leave the White House after a bilateral discussion broke down Friday, a White House spokesperson told The Epoch Times.
After a tense exchange in the Oval Office with Trump and Vice President JD Vance, Zelenskyy was informed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz that he was no longer welcome, according to the spokesperson.
Ukrainian representatives were “begging to reset” after negotiations fell apart, but Trump felt disrespected by Zelenskyy’s perceived lack of gratitude and body language that included “eye rolling” and “shrugging,” the White House official said.
The Ukrainian leader departed early without the planned signing of a deal on critical minerals. Zelenskyy and Trump originally planned to hold a joint press conference in the East Room.
Zelenskyy was scheduled to appear at a think tank later in the day but subsequently canceled.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told reporters outside the White House that Zelenskyy needs to “resign … or change.”
Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that the Ukrainian president can return when he is “ready for peace.”
Democratic Lawmakers Supportive of Zelenskyy, Critical of Trump
Some Democratic lawmakers have expressed their support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and criticized President Donald Trump, after discussions broke down in the Oval Office.
“Trump’s actions today undermined U.S. leadership, emboldened our adversaries, humiliated both himself and his Republican Party, and insulted the generations of Americans who fought and died to build America’s standing in the world,” Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) said in a statement.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) picked up on the issue, raised by Vice President JD Vance, of whether Zelenskyy has gratitude for the United States’ support.
“Zelenskyy has thanked our country over and over again both privately and publicly,” she wrote on X. “And our country thanks him and the Ukrainian patriots who have stood up to a dictator, buried their own & stopped [Russian President Vladimir] Putin from marching right into the rest of Europe.”
Outside of Washington, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, former Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate during the 2024 presidential elections, also shared his disapproval.
“Donald Trump is embarrassing the United States on the world stage,” he said on X. “We are a country that stands up to dictators and fights for democracy.
“Minnesota stands firmly with our allies in Ukraine.”
By T.J. Muscaro
European Leaders Reiterate Support for Ukraine
European leaders have begun to respond to the heated Oval Office exchange between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu said her country “stands with Ukraine” in its war with Russia.
“The truth is simple. Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor,” Sandu wrote in a social media post on X.
“Ukraine defends its freedom – and ours. We stand with Ukraine.”
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna agreed, saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin was “the only obstacle” standing in the way of peace between the two nations.
“If Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no Ukraine,” Tsahkna wrote on X. “Estonia’s support for Ukraine remains unwavering. It is time for Europe to step up. We do not need to wait for something else to happen; Europe has enough resources, including Russia’s frozen assets, to enable Ukraine to continue fighting.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerboc echoed that her country “stands united alongside Ukraine.”
“Ukraine can build on unwavering support from Germany, Europe and beyond. Their defence of democracy & their quest for peace & security is ours,” she wrote on X.
Other brief messages of support for Ukraine were shared by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who said his country stands with the Eastern European nation, and by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, who wrote: “Ukraine, you’ll never walk alone.”
By T.J. Muscaro
Republicans React to Zelenskyy–Trump Meeting
Republican lawmakers have begun to speak out about the breakdown in diplomacy between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and top U.S. leaders, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
“Somebody asked me, am I embarrassed about Trump? I have never been more proud of the President,” Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told reporters. “I was very proud of JD Vance standing up for our country. We want to be helpful. What I saw in the Oval Office was disrespectful, and I don’t know if we can ever do business with Zelenskyy again. I think most Americans saw a guy that they would not want to go in business with. The way he handled the meeting, the way he confronted the president, was just over the top.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared a clip of the Oval Office exchange between Vance and Zelenskyy on X, stating, “There is no doubt today that we have the right person alongside President Trump. Thank you, @VP.”
“We will not tolerate the political games and disrespect of America,” she said in a separate post, praising the president and vice president. “America is back.”
Some GOP lawmakers expressed their disappointment with the outcome.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), called the meeting “a missed opportunity for both the United States and Ukraine” on X and added that “Having this spill out into public view was a disaster — especially for Ukraine.”
“It was extremely short-sighted to engage in that type of exchange in front of the US and international press as you work towards an agreement,” he said. “Sadly, the only winner of today is Vladimir Putin.”
By T.J. Muscaro
Russian Officials Praise Trump’s Criticism of Zelenskyy
Dmitry Medvedev, who serves as deputy chair for Russia’s national security council, praised what he described as President Donald Trump’s “fierce scolding” of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the two leader’s Oval Office meeting Feb. 28.
“Trump told [Zelenskyy] the truth to his face: the Kiev regime is gambling with World War III,” Medvedev said in a post on Telegram.
Medvedev said that Moscow would now need to work to cut Western military aid from reaching Ukraine altogether.
Russian lawmaker Andrei Klishas, meanwhile, hailed the outcome of the meeting as “a brilliant result.”
Zelenskyy Breaks Silence on Social Media After Heated Meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to X after his Oval Office blowup with President Donald Trump on Feb. 28. His first public message after the dispute was one of gratitute, with reiteration of the need for peace.
“Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people,” he said. “Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
The Ukrainian leader was also originally scheduled to give a speech at the Hudson Institute at 4 p.m. This has now been canceled, according to this office.
By T.J. Muscaro
Zelenskyy Leaves White House Without a Deal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is leaving Washington without signing a rare earths deal with the United States following a volatile exchange with American leadership.
The meeting between Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump at the White House was supposed to be one of resolve and progress, with the two sides agreeing to a deal that would grant the United States access to billions of dollars’ worth of rare earth minerals while working toward security guarantees against future Russian aggression for Ukraine.
Instead, no deal was signed, and Zelenskyy was criticized in front of the press by both Trump and Vice President JD Vance and then told to leave the White House before the meeting’s scheduled end time.
Vance accused Zelenskyy of campaigning for Democrats, and Trump said that the Ukrainian leader was gambling with a potential World War III by continuing Ukraine’s fight against a nuclear-armed Russia.
Trump also told Zelenskyy that Ukraine would have to “make a deal” with Russia without security assurances from the United States, or Washington would revoke its support for the embattled country.
“You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out,” Trump said. “And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it’ll be pretty.”
Zelenskyy posted a statement on social media platform X after leaving the White House, again thanking the American people for their support throughout the war.
Zelenskyy Was Asked to Leave White House, Official Says
WASHINGTON—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was asked to leave the White House on Feb. 28 following a tense meeting with President Donald Trump, according to a White House official.
The meeting escalated after Zelenskyy was accused of being disrespectful and failing to show gratitude for Trump’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz informed Zelenskyy that Trump and Vice President JD Vance no longer wished to continue the meeting, the official said.
In a statement following the meeting, Trump said Zelenskyy is not yet ready for peace with Russia, adding that the Ukrainian president could return when he is prepared to engage in peace talks.
“I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations,” Trump said on Truth Social.
“I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
Zelenskyy’s highly anticipated meeting with Trump was scheduled at the White House, where both sides were expected to sign a minerals agreement to allow the United States access to the Eastern European country’s rare earth minerals in return for U.S. aid.
Before the meeting, the Trump administration announced that a deal on minerals had been finalized. Trump said during his meeting with Zelenskyy that the agreement would be signed in the White House’s East Room after the lunch meeting.
During their bilateral meeting, both leaders took questions from the media, during which their differing expectations on security commitments became clear.
The meeting in the Oval Office quickly escalated into a heated argument after both Trump and Vice President JD Vance took issue with Zelenkyy’s public insistence for security guarantees.
Zelenskyy said that he would not accept a cease-fire without security guarantees from the United States.
He argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin had broken cease-fire 25 times. He then asked Vance “what kind of diplomacy” he was talking about.
Vance, responding to Zelenskyy said: “It’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media.
“Right now, you guys are going around and forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems.”
He then accused the Ukrainian leader of failing to show gratitude for U.S. assistance.
Trump also waded into the argument, warning Zelenskyy that he was in a tough spot in the negotiations and was risking losing U.S. support entirely.
“You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you’re starting to have cards,” Trump said, referring to U.S involvement in the peace deal.
“You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War three,” Trump said as Zelenskyy continued talking back.
During much of the meeting in the Oval Office, Zelenskyy appeared to shrug and roll his eyes at what Trump was saying.
Vance tried to bring the argument to a close by stating: “There are disagreements, and let’s go litigate those disagreements, rather than trying to fight it in front of the American media when you’re wrong. We know that you’re wrong.”
“Once we sign that deal, you’re in a much better position, but you’re not acting at all thankful,” Trump said before ending the meeting. “And that’s not a nice thing. I’ll be honest. That’s not a nice thing, all right, I think we’ve seen enough.”
Zelenskyy left the meeting earlier than planned. The White House canceled a press conference that was scheduled after the lunch meeting.
The Ukrainian president was set to deliver remarks and take part in a fireside chat at the Hudson Institute following his meeting with Trump, but that event was also canceled.
By Emel Akan
US–Ukraine Mineral Deal Called Off After Heated White House Meeting
President Trump, Vice President Vance accused President Zelenskyy of being ungrateful. Zelenskyy left the White House early without signing a minerals deal.
An Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy turned into a heated argument after both Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused the Ukrainian leader of being ungrateful.
Both sides were meant to sign a natural resources deal on Feb. 28, but that was called off after the open clash during which the U.S. leaders took issue with Zelenkyy’s public insistence for security guarantees.
Vance, responding to Zelenskyy said, “It’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media.”
Trump, raising his voice, said to Zelenskyy that Ukraine is “not in a very good position,” and, “You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you’re starting to have cards.”
“You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War Three,” Trump said.
Vance then accused the Ukraine leader of being ungrateful, asking him, “Have you said thank you once this entire meeting?”
Trump also warning Zelenskyy that he was risking losing U.S. support entirely.
“You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out,” Trump said.
Trump said a deal between the United States and Ukraine could put Zelenskyy in a better negotiating position, but chided the Ukrainian leader, saying, “You’re not at all acting thankful.”
The president then ordered the press out of the Oval Office.
Deal Called Off
After meeting behind closed doors, Trump indicated in a Truth Social post minutes later that Zelenskyy “is not ready for Peace if America is involved.”
“He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace,” Trump added.
The White House later confirmed that no deal was signed and a planned joint press conference in the afternoon was called off. Zelenskyy has left the White House.
Later in the afternoon, Zelenskyy responded to the meeting, posting on X, “Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit.”
“Thank you @POTUS. Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that,” Zelenskyy continued.
Trump has sought to negotiate a quick end to the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war. He has positioned the deal for access to Ukraine’s minerals as a way to recoup some of the funds the United States has already contributed to Ukraine’s war effort.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has been adamant that a deal for Ukraine’s natural resources should include additional security guarantees from the United States.
Earlier in the Oval Office meeting, Trump downplayed the importance of new security guarantees.
“Security is so easy. That’s about 2 percent of the problem. I’m not worried about security. I’m worried about getting the deal done. The security is the easy part,” Trump said.
Trump said Ukraine could potentially see additional U.S. weapons shipments, but indicated he’s focused on ending the conflict rather than continuing to sustain Kyiv in a fight.
“Hopefully I won’t have to send very much, because hopefully we’re going to have it finished,” Trump said.
Zelenskyy responded moments later, insisting that a deal ought to include more concrete security guarantees.
“We will never accept just a ceasefire,” the Ukrainian leader said.
Earlier this week Trump said he expects Zelenskyy will have to make concessions to Russia, as part of the final deal to bring an end to the fighting between the two countries.
When asked what concessions Ukraine would likely have to make, Trump said: “I don’t want to tell you right now, but I can tell you that NATO you can forget about. That’s been, I think—that’s probably the reason the whole thing started.”
Moscow has always regarded Ukrainian membership of the NATO alliance as an unacceptable threat.
Ahead of the White House visit, Zelenskyy said he also hoped to discuss whether the U.S. plans to halt its military aid to Ukraine and, if so, whether Kyiv would be permitted to directly purchase U.S. weapons.
He said he also wanted to know whether Ukraine would be allowed to use frozen Russian assets to buy weapons and whether Washington would lift the sanctions currently in place on Moscow.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
