Trump warns Zelensky against ‘playing’ with World War III: “You are not in a good position...”

During an official visit to the White House on Friday, February 28, U.S. President Donald Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of being “ungrateful” and warned that his diplomatic approach “will end in the destruction of your country.”

The meeting took place in the Oval Office, where the two leaders discussed the future of the Ukraine war and the potential cession of part of Ukraine’s rare earth resources as a gesture of gratitude to the U.S. for its support since the beginning of Russia’s invasion.

Also present was U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who, along with Trump, became involved in a heated discussion after Zelenskyy refused to accept the peace treaty proposed by Trump. The event was carried live by many news networks, and Trump administration officials warned Zelenskyy that he was “playing with World War III” and accused him of being “ungrateful” for not accepting the peace deal with Russia.

“Your type of diplomacy will end in the destruction of your country, Mr. President. You should be thanking the President for trying to stop the war,” said Vice President Vance.

In response, Zelenskyy invited J.D. Vance to visit Ukraine and see firsthand the effects of the invasion on Ukrainian society. He also demanded greater guarantees in the agreement, saying, “Putin has broken his word 25 times.”

“You should be grateful because you hold the cards. You’re buried there. You’re dying. You’re running out of soldiers. Listen, you’re running out of soldiers, and you’re telling us you don’t want a ceasefire,” said the vice president as he continued his line of attack.

Early exit from the White House with no agreement

After the heated exchange in front of cameras and with Vice President Vance present, Zelenskyy abruptly left the White House, visibly upset by Trump’s tone. As a result, no agreement was reached regarding the cession of Ukraine’s rare earth resources, the main point of discussion that the two presidents had agreed upon for the meeting in Washington. The press conference that was scheduled to take place after the Oval Office meeting was canceled.

Trump and Putin continue negotiations on Ukraine

The confrontation came after a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the conflict in Ukraine and seek a solution to the war, which has held the country in suspense since February 2022. Notably, Zelenskyy was not included in the talks and had no seat at the negotiation table with Russia. Additionally, the Trump administration has started to apply pressure on Zelenskyy, accusing him of being a “dictator without elections” and demanding the cession of up to 50 percent of Ukraine’s rare earth resources.

Zelenskyy’s trip to Washington this week was expected to end in an agreement over the control of Ukraine’s rare earth supply, but that is up in the air after today’s show in the Oval Office.

This article was written by Beto V. Álvarez, translated with the help of AI, and edited by Maite Knorr Evans.