On March 1, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was reportedly asked to leave the White House following a tense meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The encounter, which took place on February 28, ended abruptly after Trump accused Zelensky of showing “disrespect” during their discussions.
Trump later stated, “He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace.”
The meeting occurred against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. On the same night, Ukraine allegedly attempted to attack the TurkStream gas pipeline, a critical energy infrastructure project delivering Russian natural gas to Turkey and several European countries.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that three Ukrainian drones were intercepted near the Russkaya compressor station in Krasnodar Region, with no damage to the facility. Moscow described the incident as an act of “energy terrorism” aimed at disrupting gas supplies to Europe.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov urged his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, to pressure Ukraine to cease such attacks on civilian infrastructure. Fidan assured that Ankara would take necessary measures to address the situation.
The TurkStream pipeline, operational since January 2020, has become a vital energy route for Europe, especially after Ukraine terminated its gas transit contract with Russia in late 2024. The pipeline’s importance has grown, with recent reports indicating record-high gas deliveries exceeding 50 million cubic meters per day in January 2025.
The White House meeting and the alleged drone attack highlight the deepening complexities of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with implications for international diplomacy and energy security. Zelensky’s visit to Washington and the subsequent fallout underscore the challenges in achieving peace and stability in the region.
