On February 28, 2025, a highly anticipated meeting took place at the White House between the Presidents of Ukraine and the United States—Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump. Expected to be a crucial step in strengthening US-Ukraine relations and developing a strategy to counter Russian aggression, the meeting unexpectedly turned into a diplomatic failure.
The disagreements between the leaders were so stark that the negotiations ended without any agreements being signed. This event has raised a number of questions about the future of US support for Ukraine, American foreign policy, and the consequences for global security.
What Happened at the White House?
Before the meeting, it was expected that the parties would discuss three key issues:
- Strengthening US military aid to Ukraine.
- Prospects for a peaceful resolution of the conflict with Russia.
- Economic cooperation and Ukraine’s reconstruction.
However, from the very beginning, it became clear that the approaches to resolving the conflict were fundamentally different. US President Donald Trump insisted on an immediate ceasefire and negotiations with Moscow without any preconditions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in turn, emphasised that peace negotiations without clear security guarantees were essentially a surrender to the aggressor.
The most tense moment of the meeting came when Trump stated that the US “cannot endlessly spend billions of dollars on someone else’s war” and that “peace at any cost is better than endless bloodshed.” Zelensky responded by reminding him that Russia had repeatedly violated agreements over the past decade and urged the American leader not to repeat past mistakes.
The situation escalated further when Trump criticised Ukraine’s war strategy and hinted that the US might reconsider the volume of aid provided to Kyiv. This provoked outrage from the Ukrainian delegation, and the negotiations ended without any concrete agreements.
International Reaction
1. Europe Strengthens Support for Ukraine
The failed meeting did not go unnoticed in Europe. The German Chancellor, the British Prime Minister, and the French President quickly expressed their support for Ukraine, stating that they would not allow the weakening of sanctions against Russia. London has already announced an expansion of its military aid program for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, while Paris has proposed increasing financial assistance to Kyiv.
2. Russia Exploits the Situation
Russian authorities immediately responded to the incident. Kremlin representatives stated that “Washington has finally realised the futility of supporting Ukraine” and expressed hope for a swift revision of Western policies. Russian propaganda media have already begun spreading narratives about the “collapse of the US-Ukraine alliance,” which could strengthen domestic support for Putin.
3. The United States Is Divided
The American establishment has split into two camps. Some politicians, including Democrats and a portion of Republicans, have supported continued aid to Ukraine and accused Trump of playing into the Kremlin’s hands. Others, including Trump’s supporters, have argued that Ukraine should seek a compromise and that the US is not obligated to indefinitely fund the war.
What Does This Mean for Ukraine?
The developments following the meeting indicate that Kyiv is facing new challenges:
- Ukraine cannot afford to lose US support, but at the same time, it cannot agree to conditions that would weaken its position against Russia.
- A divide has emerged within the American elite, and some politicians are indeed considering a "frozen conflict" scenario or a reduction in aid.
- Zelensky was right to call things by their names. Diplomatic niceties have given way to a hard-line realist approach: if the US begins leaning toward compromises with the Kremlin, this poses a direct threat to Ukraine’s existence.
What Could Be the Consequences for the World?
1. Shifting Geopolitical Balance
A weakening of US support for Ukraine could alter the balance of power globally. European nations will likely step up their assistance, but they may not be able to fully replace Washington. Meanwhile, Russia would gain a strategic and moral advantage, potentially leading to an escalation of hostilities.
2. Rising Influence of China
China is closely monitoring the situation and may use the weakening of Western unity to its advantage. Beijing is already in talks with Moscow about expanding economic cooperation, which could strengthen Russia’s economy and prolong the war.
3. The Danger of a "Peace Agreement" Without Guarantees
History has shown that peace deals imposed under pressure always favor the aggressor. If Ukraine is forced to accept Russia’s conditions without real security guarantees, it would set a precedent for future conflicts. Such a scenario could encourage other authoritarian regimes to pursue aggressive actions, knowing that the West is unwilling to fully defend its allies.
What Should Ukraine Do Next?
Ukraine must adapt to the new reality and act proactively:
- Engage with American allies. There are powerful political forces in the US that recognise the threat posed by Putin. Strengthening ties with them is essential.
- Enhance information efforts in the US. If some Americans are questioning support for Ukraine, it means that the truth about the threats has not been effectively communicated.
- Avoid the trap of "peace at any cost." Any negotiations with Russia should only take place with clear security guarantees. Ukraine must continue fighting for its national interests.
Why Ukraine cannot afford to lose U.S. support, but at the same time, it cannot agree to agreements that would weaken its position against Russia.
This dilemma places Ukraine in a complex geopolitical position. On one hand, U.S. support remains vital for continued defense, funding, and diplomatic protection. On the other hand, Washington, especially under the Trump administration, is beginning to signal the possibility of reducing aid or pushing for negotiations that may not align with Ukraine's interests.
Why Can’t Ukraine Lose U.S. Support?
1. Military Assistance
The U.S. provides Ukraine with weapons, ammunition, intelligence, and technology, without which the Ukrainian army could face resource shortages. A weakening of U.S. support could create serious problems on the battlefield.
2. Financial Aid
Washington plays a key role in crediting and directly financing Kyiv. Without this support, government spending (pensions, salaries, social programs) could be at risk.
3. Diplomatic Influence
The U.S. remains Ukraine’s most important ally on the international stage, lobbying for support in the UN, NATO, and among European partners. A reduction in American involvement could decrease diplomatic pressure on Russia.
Why Can’t Ukraine Accept Weakening Agreements?
- The experience of the Minsk Agreements shows that without firm guarantees, Russia will use any peace deal as a pause before resuming aggression.
- A frozen conflict similar to Transnistria or Abkhazia would mean the de facto recognition of occupation and the loss of control over some territories.
- Reducing military support and pressure on Russia could provoke an escalation of war and a new wave of aggression.
How to Balance Between U.S. Support and National Interests?
- Actively engage with Congress and the Senate. There are influential politicians in the U.S. who support Ukraine, and strengthening ties with them is crucial.
- Increase public diplomacy and outreach in the U.S. It is important to make clear that aid to Ukraine is not charity but an investment in Western security.
- Develop defence self-sufficiency. Expanding domestic weapons production and seeking new partners to diversify military assistance is essential.
Ukraine should not depend on a single country, even one as powerful as the United States. Strengthening ties with the EU, the UK, and other allies will help Kyiv maintain independence in decision-making and avoid compromises that threaten national security.
Conclusion
The
unsuccessful meeting at the White House has sent a troubling signal not
only for Ukraine but for the entire world. The weakening of support for
Kyiv could shift the global balance of power and lead to new conflicts.
However, history has shown that those who consistently defend their
independence ultimately prevail. Ukraine is a sovereign state, not a
pawn in American politics. The support of allies is crucial, but not at
the cost of national survival.
Author: Andrew Azarov
Professor
of Economics and Business at the International Business Academy
Consortium (UK),
Editor-in-Chief of the Information Agency "100% NEWS"