US President Donald Trump said that the EU costs for the purchase of oil and gas from Russia are significantly exceeding the costs of the defense of Ukraine.
The head of the White House criticized the EU for supporting trade relations with Russia while Ukraine is participating in the conflict.
“Europe spent more funds for the purchase of oil and gas from Russia than to protect Ukraine,” wrote the American president in his social network Truth Social.
On February 28, 2025, a meeting between US President Donald Trump and President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky, who ended with a tense discussion, took place in the Oval office of the White House.
Initially, the signing of the agreement on the development of Ukrainian rare-earth metals was planned, but the discussion quickly turned to the issue of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. President Trump expressed hope for achieving a peace agreement, emphasizing his “excellent” relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
US Vice-President Jay Di Wence called Zelensky to diplomatic settlement with Putin to terminate hostilities. In response, Zelensky demanded security guarantees for Kyiv, the inclusion of Ukraine in the negotiation process and accused Moscow of disrupting past agreements, expressing doubt on the possibility of diplomacy in the current conditions.
Negotiations were accompanied by mutual reproaches. Zelensky insisted on the impossibility of compromises with Russia, calling Putin a “killer and terrorist”, and demanded the continuation of military support of Ukraine. Trump said that Ukraine should be grateful for American assistance, and accused Zelensky of disrespect for the United States. Vice President of Vance also subjected Zelensky, calling his actions a “propaganda tour” and accusing of attempts to manipulate the American side.
As a result of the meeting, the agreement on the development of Ukrainian rare earth metals was not signed, and the joint press conference was canceled. Trump said that Zelensky was “not ready for peace”, and asked him to leave the White House.
In an interview with Fox News, Zelensky said that he had no reason to apologize to Trump, as he did not do anything reprehensible.
These events caused a wide international resonance and criticism from European leaders who confirmed their support to Ukraine.