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February 28, 2025

Institute for the Study of War: Zelenskyy, Trump in White House clash that ends with Trump evicting Ukrainian leader

Institute for the Study of War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump held a contentious meeting at the White House on February 28. Zelensky observed that Russia has repeatedly violated previous ceasefire agreements, as ISW has reported. Zelensky said that Ukraine will not accept a ceasefire agreement with Russia without sufficient external security guarantees, as such an agreement will fail to preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty and prevent war in Europe in the long-term. Zelensky stated that Russian strikes have not “completely destroyed” Ukraine and that Ukraine is “alive” and continuing to defend itself against Russian aggression. Zelensky reiterated that no country wants to end the war more than Ukraine and that any negotiations to end the war will be between Ukraine and Russia with US and European mediation efforts. Trump declined to comment on the possibility of future US security guarantees for Ukraine and US troop deployments to Ukraine. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly told Zelensky to leave the White House following the meeting, and the White House cancelled the afternoon press conference and the signing of the US-Ukraine mineral deal. ISW continues to assess that supporting Ukraine is a vital American national security interest, as is a strong bilateral relationship between the United States and Ukraine.

Russia continues to showcase its deepening relations with American adversaries despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s effort to posture Russia’s receptiveness to negotiations with the United States. Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met separately with People’s Republic of China (PRC) President Xi Jinping and PRC Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on February 28 to discuss bilateral security issues and international and regional matters. Shoigu and Xi also underlined the need to continue coordinating efforts at key international platforms including BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and diplomatic efforts about “solving the Ukrainian crisis.” Shoigu claimed that the Russia-PRC relationship has reached “unprecedented” heights, and Russian state media highlighted statements from Xi and PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Spokesperson Lin Jian’s praise of close bilateral relations.

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairperson and Chairperson of the ruling United Russia party Dmitry Medvedev met with North Korea’s Workers’ Party (WPK) Central Committee member Ri Hi-yong on February 26 in Moscow to express United Russia’s desire “for closer cooperation with the WPK and for expanding contracts and exchanges in all areas.” Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Ri on February 27, but the Kremlin’s readout did not provide further details about the meeting. Representatives of the Kursk Oblast Chamber of Commerce signed a cooperation agreement with the Pyongyang Chamber of Commerce on February 27 to develop bilateral economic ties and expand municipal production opportunities between Kursk Oblast and North Korean enterprises. The agreement also includes trade and economic ties; cooperation in industry, agriculture, and processing; and joint logistical projects. Russia continues to range itself with adversaries of the United States, underscoring the importance of strengthening and supporting US allies and partners, including Ukraine.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump held a contentious meeting at the White House on February 28.
  • Russia continues to showcase its deepening relations with American adversaries despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s effort to posture Russia’s receptiveness to negotiations with the United States.
  • Russia continues to range itself with adversaries of the United States, underscoring the importance of strengthening and supporting US allies and partners, including Ukraine.
  • Ukrainian officials are increasing cooperation with South Korea amid deepening Russia-North Korea ties and recent reports of a new wave of North Korean troop deployments to Kursk Oblast.
  • Ukrainian forces conducted strikes against near-rear Russian military assets in occupied Ukraine.
  • The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced on February 28 that the United States approved current MFA North American Department Director Alexander Darchiev’s appointment as Russia’s Ambassador to the United States.
  • Russian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Velyka Novosilka and in western Zaporizhia.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin tasked Crimea occupation head Sergey Aksyonov with establishing a “Kadry” (“Human Resources”) national project to integrate Russian veterans into the Russian economy, likely in support of the Kremlin’s efforts to prevent the emergence of subversive veteran civil societies.
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Wilson Center

Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!

At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.

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Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.

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