French diplomats played a key role in preparing a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to U.S. President Donald Trump, Politico reports, citing a French official. The letter was intended to help normalize relations following a tense meeting in the Oval Office on February 28.
According to the source, France, along with the United Kingdom and Germany, was exploring ways to restore dialogue between Trump and Zelensky. During the February meeting, Trump reportedly harshly criticized the Ukrainian leader, demanding he agree to a ceasefire and stop publicly criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance also reportedly accused Zelensky of being ungrateful and politically biased.
The talks ended without the signing of an agreement on joint development of Ukrainian natural resources, and the Ukrainian delegation was asked to leave the White House.
Later, House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that Zelensky needed to return to the negotiating table or else Ukraine would need new leadership. Vance added that Zelensky would not be welcomed back into the Oval Office until he was ready to discuss the terms of a peace deal.
Subsequently, Zelensky expressed regret over the incident and stated he was ready to resume negotiations as soon as possible.
