Donald Trump has revealed details of a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following their heated Oval Office meeting last week.
On February 28, Zelenskyy, 47, met with Trump, 78, and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office during a visit to Washington, D.C.
What began as a discussion about securing US security guarantees and a proposed mineral agreement amid Ukraine’s war with Russia quickly escalated into a heated exchange between the two leaders.
It all started when Vance, 40, accused Zelenskyy of disrespecting the US and insisted that he should “thank” America for its efforts to resolve the war.
“I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media,” he bluntly stated.
The Ukrainian leader hit back by asking if the VP had even visited Ukraine during the war before remarking that the US “will feel it in the future” with regards to the impact of war.
The response seemed to rattle Trump, who raised his voice at Zelenskyy and criticized his handling of the war.
“Don’t tell us what we’re gonna feel… We’re trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us what we’re gonna feel,” he said. “You have to be thankful. You don’t have the cards. You’re buried there. Your people are dying. You’re running low on soldiers.
“I’ve empowered you to be a tough guy, and I don’t think you’d be a tough guy without the United States,” he said, adding that the Ukrainian leader was “gambling with millions of lives” and “World War III”.
According to reports, the situation escalated to the point that Zelenskyy was asked to leave the White House early – before the two leaders could hold a joint news conference.
Following the meeting, the Ukrainian leader took to X (formerly Twitter) to express gratitude for America’s support. He also reiterated his country’s commitment to ending the war.
He suggested “the first stages could be the release of prisoners and truce in the sky – ban on missiles, long-ranged drones, bombs on energy and other civilian infrastructure — and truce in the sea immediately, if Russia will do the same”.
“Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians. My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts,” Zelenskyy added.
Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump during their heated meeting at the White House. Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
During his address to Congress on Tuesday (March 4), Trump revealed he had received a letter from Zelenskyy regarding peace talks.
“The letter reads Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer,” Trump stated.
He continued, quoting the letter: “Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians. Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time that is convenient for you.”
Trump acknowledged the letter’s significance, saying: “I appreciate that he sent this letter. Just got it a little while ago.” He also noted that the US had been engaged in serious discussions with Russia.
“[We] have received strong signals that they are ready for peace. Wouldn’t that be beautiful?” he added.
🚨President Trump on Zelenskyy:
“Earlier today, I received an important letter from President Zelensky of Ukraine. The letter reads that Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiation table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace..” pic.twitter.com/3Xy4BGH73i
— Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) March 5, 2025
The 78-year-old’s comments came after the White House announced a pause on all military aid to Ukraine – a major shift in U.S. foreign policy.
Since Russia’s invasion began three years ago, the US has provided approximately $65.9 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, according to The Guardian.
Russia, meanwhile, appeared to welcome Trump’s remarks. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that if the US was indeed pausing military aid, it could “really encourage the Kyiv regime to [come to] the peace process,” per Reuters.
Peskov added that Moscow saw “certain things and [received] certain information about the proposed actions in this direction,” calling Trump’s push for peace “welcome.”
However, he emphasized that Russia would wait to see how the situation unfolded.