Contentious Meeting Between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy: On February 28, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss a minerals agreement. The meeting turned confrontational, leading to its abrupt end without signing the anticipated deal.
Suspension of U.S. Military Aid to Ukraine: Following the unsuccessful meeting, the Trump administration paused all military assistance and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, aiming to pressure Kyiv into peace negotiations with Russia. This suspension raised concerns about Ukraine's defense capabilities.
Zelenskyy's Letter Expressing Willingness to Negotiate: In response to the halted aid, President Zelenskyy sent a letter to President Trump expressing readiness to engage in peace talks and finalize the minerals agreement, highlighting Ukraine's commitment to resolving the conflict.
European Leaders' Support for Ukraine: Amid strained U.S.-Ukraine relations, European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. They discussed increased defense spending and potential peacekeeping efforts to ensure Ukraine's sovereignty.
Interruption of President Trump's Congressional Address: During President Trump's address to Congress on March 4, 2025, Representative Al Green of Texas interrupted the speech by standing, shouting, and waving his cane in protest of potential Medicaid cuts. Despite warnings, Green continued his protest and was escorted out by the House sergeant-at-arms. The House later voted 224-198 to censure Green for his actions, with ten Democrats joining Republicans in the formal rebuke.
