What possessed the Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, to go toe-to-toe with Donald Trump in a verbal wresting match in the White House? It makes almost no sense as a diplomatic strategy. It is well documented that the US president, notoriously thin-skinned and egotistical, likes to be showered with compliments and treated as an all-knowing, all-seeing master of the political universe. All that Zelensky was required to do was behave in a simpering manner while the cameras were rolling, before moving on to the substantive negotiations behind the scenes.
Indeed, only 24 hours earlier, Sir Keir Starmer provided a useful primer on how to go about pandering to Trump in order to get what you want. It’s dirty work, but that’s what leaders have to do. Yet, in an act of pique, Zelensky decided to tackle Trump head-on. It was something of an unequal fight in every way. English is not the Ukrainian leader’s first language (some might say the same about Trump) so he was on the back foot from the start, and Trump doesn’t let anyone get a word in edgeways when he is in full flow. Secondly, Trump had in his corner vice president JD Vance, who was ready and willing to step in and give Zelensky a verbal bashing whenever Trump did pause for breath. The television cameras caught the ugly spat between the leaders in all its goriness.
Trump repeatedly told Zelensky that he was “gambling with the lives of millions, with the third world war”, and told him to stop holding out for further security guarantees, saying “you’re either going to make a deal or we’re out”.
‼️A heated back and forth between @ZelenskyyUa, @POTUS, and @VP now in the Oval. pic.twitter.com/j1YCy4Jm3K
— Misha Komadovsky (@komadovsky) February 28, 2025
This is the kind of statement an all-powerful American president might make to a recalcitrant ally behind the scenes – yet here it all played out in public in front of the world’s television cameras. The pair repeatedly clashed over their view of Russia and the negotiations, as well as the extent of European support for Ukraine.
In equally bizarre scenes, JD Vance accused Zelensky of not thanking the United States for its support. He claimed that “words of appreciation for the US and the president who is trying to save your country” had been absent. At one point, Zelensky appeared to accuse Vance of “shouting”, only for Trump to interrupt and say that Vance was doing no such thing. It was real playground stuff featuring three toddlers – hurt glances all round and simmering resentment on open display. And all taking place in the grand setting of the Oval Office.
What then is the end result of this unseemly spat? Zelensky left the White House much earlier than planned, and Trump didn’t bother to see him out. It has been reported on CNN that it was Trump’s decision to conclude the talks after the exchanges in the Oval Office. The Ukrainian delegation apparently wanted to continue but they were refused. Plans to sign an important deal on minerals were also abandoned. Zelensky was due to speak at the conservative Hudson Institute; that too has now been cancelled.
In a social media update, Trump said that Zelensky “is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations”. He said the Ukrainian leader “disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office.” For his part, Zelensky posted an update on social media, pointedly and repeatedly thanking the US for its support.
European leaders have been swift to show their support for Zelensky after his White House ordeal. “Ukraine, Spain stands with you,” declared the Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sanchez. President Emmanuel Macron of France backed Ukraine over “aggressor” Russia. And Poland’s leader, Donald Tusk, reassured Ukraine that it was not alone.
This is all well and good but, ultimately, words are cheap. Ukraine needs American support above all else. Zelensky has put that needlessly at risk with his behaviour in the White House. Ukraine’s leader put his his vanity and pride before the wider interests of his country in reacting the way he did to Trump’s remarks and behaviour. In effect, he lost his cool when it mattered most. No one wins a slanging match with Donald Trump, least of all someone who needs his help. The road ahead looks distinctly uncertain for Ukraine and Europe. Russia’s Vladimir Putin is the only winner after the unseemly scenes in the White House.
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