US President Donald Trump has revealed details of his conflict with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, which occurred during the latter's visit to the Oval Office on February 28, 2025. Trump confirmed that the quarrel was a pre-planned move aimed at increasing pressure on Ukraine in the framework of negotiations to resolve the conflict with Russia. According to him, this episode was part of a larger strategy designed to force Kyiv to reconsider its position in dialogue with Washington. 

Trump also addressed the suspension of military aid to Ukraine that followed their meeting, and he flatly rejected suggestions that the decision had a negative impact on the Ukrainian armed forces' combat capability.

"The cessation of arms supplies had no effect on their army," " the American leader said, stressing that his actions were aimed at achieving political goals, not at weakening Kyiv militarily. He added that he intends to continue using diplomatic levers, including an upcoming conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin scheduled for March 18, to find a way out of the crisis. 

The Oval Office standoff comes amid tense relations between the United States and Ukraine, which have worsened since Trump's inauguration in January 2025.