What they said: Trump, Zelenskyy and Vance’s heated argument in the Oval Office
The Hindu
The full transcript of President Trump and VP Vance's confrontation with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy over war, diplomacy, and U.S. support in the Oval Office of the White House on February 28, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance on Friday (February 28, 2025) berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the war in Ukraine, accusing him of not showing gratitude after he challenged Mr. Vance on the question of diplomacy with Russia's Vladimir Putin.
Trump-Zelenskyy clash in White House LIVE updates
The argument in the Oval Office was broadcast globally. It led to the rest of Mr. Zelenskyy's White House visit being canceled and called into question how much the U.S. will still support Ukraine in its defense against Russia's 2022 invasion.
Vance: “For four years, the United States of America, we had a president who stood up at press conferences and talked tough about Vladimir Putin, and then Putin invaded Ukraine and destroyed a significant chunk of the country. The path to peace and the path to prosperity is, maybe, engaging in diplomacy. We tried the pathway of Joe Biden, of thumping our chest and pretending that the president of the United States’ words mattered more than the president of the United States’ actions. What makes America a good country is America engaging in diplomacy. That’s what President Trump is doing.”
Zelenskyy: “Can I ask you?”
Vance: “Sure. Yeah.”
Zelenskyy: “OK. So he (Putin) occupied it, our parts, big parts of Ukraine, parts of east and Crimea. So he occupied it in 2014. So during a lot of years — I’m not speaking about just Biden, but those times was (Barack) Obama, then President Obama, then President Trump, then President Biden, now President Trump. And God bless, now, President Trump will stop him. But during 2014, nobody stopped him. He just occupied and took. He killed people. You know what the --"
Appeals court permits Trump to maintain National Guard deployment in D.C., reversing a lower court's order to withdraw troops.
Iraq retracts its terror designation of Hezbollah and Houthis, citing an error amid regional political pressures and public backlash.
U.S. military strikes drug boats amid scrutiny over legality and rising casualties, prompting investigations and conflicting congressional testimonies.
Indian envoy Santosh Jha meets Sri Lanka’s Housing Minister to discuss reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah's devastating impact.
The U.S. and Kenya sign a $2.5 billion health deal, marking the start of "America First" global health agreements.
Explore the resilience and daily realities of Ukrainians enduring relentless warfare in a country forever changed by conflict.
Trump's envoys engage with Ukraine amid eased sanctions on Russia, seeking to advance peace negotiations following recent talks with Putin.
Explore China's rural revitalization efforts, showcasing poverty alleviation, local spirit, and sustainable development in its diverse landscapes.
UN Security Council delegates visit Syria for the first time since 1945, aiming to build trust and support national reconciliation.
U.S. reduces work permit validity for refugees and asylum seekers to 18 months, citing public safety concerns following recent violence.
U.S. plans to expand travel ban from 19 to over 30 countries, says Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Pakistan appoints Asim Munir as its first Chief of Defence Forces, enhancing military command unity and decision-making efficiency.
Pakistan permits U.N. relief supplies to Afghanistan through two border crossings, prioritizing humanitarian aid delivery and container clearance.