By Salma Kamar
On 28 February 2025, US president Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky met at the White House to discuss US support for Ukraine and a proposed agreement on mineral resources. However, the meeting ended without any formal agreements, and the discussions were marked by interruptions and disagreements.
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the United States has provided Ukraine with military and financial aid to support its defense against Russian forces. Under previous administrations, the US sent billions of dollars in assistance, including weapons and intelligence support. However, the Trump administration has taken a different approach, advocating for a reduction in aid and urging Ukraine to negotiate with Russia.
The meeting took place in the Oval Office and was broadcasted live. Throughout the discussions, Trump and Vice President JD Vance questioned Zelensky’s stance on the war. Trump argued that Ukraine should make territorial concessions to end the conflict, while Zelensky insisted on security guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression. At times, Trump and Vance interrupted Zelensky, and no agreement was reached by the end of the talks.
The proposed Ukraine-United States Mineral Resources Agreement, which would have involved cooperation on resource extraction, was also left unsigned. Reports suggest that the failure to finalise the deal was linked to the broader disagreements over military aid and Ukraine’s war strategy.
The meeting received mixed responses from US politicians. Some Republican lawmakers supported Trump’s position, arguing that reducing military aid would encourage a quicker resolution to the war. Others, including members of the Democratic Party, criticised the meeting, stating that cutting support to Ukraine could weaken its defense against Russia.
Internationally, NATO and the European Union reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, with several European leaders expressing concern over the US decision to scale back assistance. Russian officials welcomed the meeting’s outcome, claiming that it reflected a shift in US policy toward the conflict.
Three days after the meeting, the US government announced the suspension of military aid to Ukraine. This decision raised concerns about Ukraine’s ability to continue defending its territory, as US support had been a key factor in its resistance against Russian advances. In response, Ukraine has sought additional aid from European allies and other international partners.
The meeting marked a significant moment in US foreign policy. It signaled a potential shift in the US government’s approach to international conflicts, moving away from long-term military commitments. The effects of this decision on Ukraine’s war effort and global diplomatic relations remain uncertain.
As the situation develops, further discussions between US officials and international leaders are expected in the coming months. The outcome of these talks may determine the future of US-Ukraine relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.