Trump and Zelensky: Evolution of their relationship since the Oval Office dispute

Trump and Zelensky: Evolution of their relationship since the Oval Office dispute

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is back at the White House on Monday to discuss the details of the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska to discuss and find out how the US President envisions peace in Ukraine. During his last visit to the Oval Office, Zelensky was harshly criticized by his US hosts, denied a scheduled lunch and abruptly asked to leave the West Wing. “He can come back when he’s ready for peace,” then-President Donald Trump said after the meeting.

The dynamic between Trump and Zelensky

Six months after these events, the question arises as to how the dynamic between Trump and Zelensky has changed. After Trump's summit with Putin in Alaska, it remained unclear how the ceasefire negotiations would continue. However, initial signals were received rather negatively from both the Ukrainian and European sides. Trump announced that he has given up hope for an immediate ceasefire and is instead insisting on a comprehensive peace deal without Russia first ending its bombing.

European reactions to Trump's approaches

This position contradicts the opinions of European leaders and Zelensky, who argue that Ukraine cannot be forced to negotiate its future while under constant attacks from Moscow. Trump also appeared inclined to accept Putin's plan, which calls for large-scale territorial clearances by Ukraine as a condition for ending the war. While speaking by phone with European officials, Trump said Putin had not given up his demand for all of eastern Ukraine and suggested the conflict could be resolved quickly if Zelensky agreed to cede those territories.

Hope for security guarantees for Ukraine

Despite the concerns, Trump's willingness to provide security guarantees for Ukraine after the war gives European officials a glimmer of hope. However, the details of what Trump would actually offer are still unclear. Monday will bring crucial talks in the Oval Office as Trump continues to demand an end to the conflict he once promised to resolve within a day.

An improved relationship between Trump and Zelensky

Since the February incident, Trump and Zelensky have made significant progress in rebuilding their relationship. European leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have given Zelensky advice on how to address Trump, urging him to take a less confrontational stance and be more vocal about his gratitude for U.S. support.

Zelensky emphasized his gratitude for the invitation to Washington, writing last Saturday on European leaders have also been invited to Trump's meeting with Zelensky, which can be interpreted as a sign of unity towards Zelensky, who has Europe's support.

Significant symbolism of the Oval Office

The symbolism of an invitation to the Oval Office just days after the summit with Putin in Alaska is remarkable. While Putin received a fitting welcome in Anchorage, he was not pictured with the US president in the Oval Office - a room he has not entered since 2005. Trump applauded as Putin walked down the tarmac and took a seat in the US president's armored car, a rare gesture for a foreign leader, especially a political opponent.

But Monday will be Zelensky's first appearance in the Oval Office since controversial comments from Trump and then-Vice President JD Vance, who publicly criticized Zelensky for his lack of gratitude. Meanwhile, Trump and Zelensky have since met in person and their relationship has improved significantly.

The challenge of lasting peace

In recent months, Trump and Zelensky have had several brief encounters, and the atmosphere of those meetings has changed. During the last meeting in the Vatican, Zelensky said that they had the best conversation among them so far. Trump had suggested at the time that there was the possibility of new sanctions against Russia if Putin was not serious about peace. However, the prospect of lasting peace remains a distant goal.