US President Donald Trump meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, February 28, 2025. Photo: AP

President Zelensky left the White House after having a tense debate with President Trump in front of reporters Friday. Their meeting was initially amicable and then veered into tense exchanges after US Vice President James Vance said that a diplomatic solution could be reached with Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine, which President Zelensky denied. President Trump added that Mr. Zelensky was not in a position to negotiate and needed to thank the US for help.

Mr. Trump argued, "You don't know that. Don't tell us what we're going to feel. We're trying to solve a problem. Don't tell us what we're gonna feel, because you're in no position to dictate that. You're in no position to dictate what we're going to feel." "You have to be thankful," he said.

Afterwards, the White House canceled the joint press conference between the two presidents and the minerals agreement was not signed as originally expected.

The British Prime Minister's Office on Friday said Prime Minister Keir Starmer invited more than 10 European and European Union (EU) leaders to a summit on Sunday to discuss Ukraine and regional security. "The prime minister will use the summit to drive forward European action on Ukraine – signaling our collective unwavering support to securing a just and enduring peace, and a lasting deal, that ensures Ukraine's future sovereignty and security," Starmer's office stated.