By: Evandersen Pandji
Currently, in the United States, citizens with contrasting political ideologies are extremely divided. Succeeding Zelensky’s meeting with Donald Trump at the white house, tensions have been exacerbated and arguments continue to boil and rage on as people debate on the televised Oval Office quarrel. On February 28, 2025, the presidents of the United States and Ukraine held a bilateral and televised meeting at the White House discussing U.S. support for Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine war and the signing of the Ukraine–United States Mineral Resources Agreement, a framework highlighting joint investment in Ukraine’s natural resources including but not limited to rare elements, gas and oil. The meeting lacked a clear resolution and left the future of U.S. and Ukraine relations unsure due to criticism and verbal attacks from Trump and J.D. Vance, claiming that Zelensky lacked gratitude for their support.
Prior to their meeting, Trump urged Zelensky to sign a ceasefire with Russia. However, Zelensky wanted stronger guarantees in defense before committing to the ceasefire as he held credence that Vladmir Putin would renege on the ceasefire as he has done before. After the meeting, other nations along with U.S. citizens aligned with the democratic party have criticized Trump and Vance’s behavior, calling it rude and over-confrontational while most republican citizens have commended Trump’s words and have accused Zelensky of being disrespectful. Moreover, the Trump administration halted the provision of intel and aid to Ukraine for a few days and resumed it when Ukraine signed a 30-day ceasefire under Russian approval.