In a highly anticipated Oval Office meeting on February 18, former President Donald Trump sat down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the future of Ukraine, peace negotiations, and U.S. support.
(access the full transcript and video here)
What was expected to be a diplomatic dialogue turned into a tense exchange, with Zelenskyy’s aggressive rhetoric clashing against Trump’s pragmatic approach to brokering peace.
JD Vance didn’t help matters any. Zelenskyy and JD caused an unfortunate altercation and sank a great meeting.
Trump’s Pledge to Ukraine and Praise for Its Soldiers
From the outset, President Trump reiterated his admiration for the bravery of Ukraine’s soldiers, recognizing their immense sacrifices in the ongoing war.
“But you, your soldiers have been unbelievably brave. We’ve given them great equipment, but somebody has to use the equipment. They’ve been unbelievably brave, and we give them great credit.
This was supposed to be over very quickly, and here we are, three years later. So, I give tremendous credit to your generals and your soldiers and yourself, in the sense that it’s been very hard fighting, very tough fighting. They have great fighters, and you have to be very proud of them from that standpoint.
But now, we want to get it over with. It’s enough, right? We want to get it over with.”
He reassured Zelenskyy that the United States remained committed to military and political support for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of national security and the country’s eventual rebuilding.
“Yeah, we’re going to send arms to Ukraine. Yeah, sure. Hopefully, I won’t have to send very much because hopefully, we’re going to have it finished.”
Trump underscored that his primary objective was achieving a peace agreement that would ensure Ukraine’s stability while preventing further unnecessary loss of life.
He advocated for a diplomatic route that would serve Ukraine’s long-term interests rather than perpetuating endless conflict.
Zelenskyy’s Misstep: Turning a Diplomatic Meeting into a Grandstand
Despite Trump’s overtures toward unity and a constructive path forward, Zelenskyy repeatedly veered the conversation toward the specific terms of Ukraine’s negotiations with Russia.
Instead of working within the diplomatic setting of the meeting, he used the public forum to harshly criticize Russia, making it exceedingly difficult for Trump to maintain neutrality and focus on achieving a viable peace deal.
The meeting was not the appropriate setting for detailed negotiation strategies, yet Zelenskyy continued to hammer away at Russia in a way that risked alienating key stakeholders in the peace process.
Trump, displaying his diplomatic instincts, refused to attack either side prematurely, understanding that doing so would make peace negotiations significantly harder.
“Well, if I didn’t align myself with both of them, you’d never have a deal.
You want me to say, uh, really terrible things about Putin, and then say, “hi, Vladimir, how are we doing on the deal?”
That doesn’t work that way.
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, I’m aligned with the world, and I want to get this thing over with.
You see the hatred he’s got for Putin, it’s very tough for me to make a deal with that kind of hatred. He’s got tremendous hatred. And I understand that. But I can tell you, the other side isn’t exactly in love with, you know, him either.
So it’s not a question of alignment. I’m aligned with the world. I’m aligned with Europe. I want to see if we can get this thing done.
You want me to be tough, I could be tougher than any human being you’ve ever seen. I’d be so tough, but you’re never going to get a deal that way so that’s the way it goes.”
Trump’s Defense of Zelenskyy Against Media Scrutiny
Amidst the heated discussion, the media sought to escalate tensions further.
At one point, a reporter attempted to demean Zelenskyy over his attire, pointing out that he was not wearing a suit. In a move of unexpected camaraderie, Trump immediately came to Zelenskyy’s defense, brushing aside the superficial critique and refocusing on the crucial subject at hand—securing Ukraine’s future.
“I do like your clothing by the way. (everyone laughing).
(Disapprovingly looking at reporter who asked the suit question) I know he’s a great guy, and I don’t know if you two like each other, but you know what, I think he’s dressed beautifully. (taps Zelenskyy on the back).”
Zelenskyy’s Showmanship Pushes the Limits
Rather than recognizing Trump’s diplomatic efforts, Zelenskyy continued to push his rhetoric further, portraying himself as a defiant figure rather than a negotiator seeking solutions.
“Putin began this war, he has to pay, all money, for renovation, he has to pay, of course, some Russian assets, what we have, uh, in Europe, about 300 billion, we can use them, we can use for renovation, and buy military support from the United States, also, we can do it, but it’s not enough, it’s not enough.”
His approach came across as performative rather than productive, frustrating Trump, who remained the only world leader actively discussing a tangible peace deal.
While two million lives have already been lost in this devastating conflict, Europe has largely failed to take any substantial steps toward brokering peace. Trump, in contrast, positioned himself as the only global leader seriously committed to ending the war and ensuring Ukraine’s security and eventual rebuilding.
The Fallout: A Missed Opportunity for Ukraine
Trump’s message to Zelenskyy was clear—security, stability, and reconstruction were within reach, but it required a willingness to engage in real diplomacy.
Instead of seizing this opportunity, Zelenskyy’s combative stance risked alienating the very leader who could help Ukraine navigate the path to peace.
At a moment when Ukraine desperately needed a strategic partner, Zelenskyy’s insistence on public posturing over substantive negotiation may have cost his country a vital opportunity.
While Trump extended a hand toward peace and the rebuilding of Ukraine, Zelenskyy’s rhetoric may have pushed it away.
This will will end one way or the other. But, meanwhile, thousands of lives continue to be lost.
