NEW DELHI: A highly anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on February 28, devolved into a heated confrontation, casting uncertainty over future U.S.-Ukraine relations and efforts to address the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The Oval Office meeting, intended to discuss a potential mineral-rights agreement and steps toward a ceasefire with Russia, quickly escalated into a tense exchange. President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance pressed President Zelenskyy to express greater gratitude for U.S. support and to consider negotiating directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy, however, voiced strong reservations, citing past breaches of agreements by Russia and emphasizing the risks to Ukraine's sovereignty.

The discussion intensified when Vice President Vance accused Zelenskyy of being "disrespectful" for challenging the proposed diplomatic approach in front of the media. Zelenskyy responded by highlighting Ukraine's frontline challenges and warning that global security could be compromised if Russian aggression went unchecked. President Trump interjected, accusing Zelenskyy of "gambling with World War III" and suggesting that Ukraine was "not really in a good position right now." He further asserted, "You either make a deal or we are out."

The meeting concluded abruptly, with President Trump canceling a scheduled joint press conference and expressing dissatisfaction with Zelenskyy's stance. He later commented on social media that Zelenskyy had "disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office" and should "come back when he is ready for peace." 

This confrontation has raised concerns about the future of U.S. military aid to Ukraine. The Trump administration is reportedly reviewing ongoing weapons deliveries, a move that could significantly impact Ukraine's defense capabilities amid its prolonged conflict with Russia.

European leaders have expressed alarm over the fallout from the meeting. Many have reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine, criticizing the U.S. administration's approach and emphasizing the importance of a united front against Russian aggression. The discord between the U.S. and Ukraine has been met with approval in Moscow, with Russian officials viewing the rift as advantageous to their strategic interests.

The abrupt and public nature of this diplomatic clash underscores the challenges facing international efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis and raises questions about the future direction of U.S. foreign policy in the region.