In Clash with Zelenskyy, Trump Deepens Diplomatic Rift Over Russia's War in Ukraine
Ask students: Who were the three leaders in the Oval Office discussing Russia's war in Ukraine? When did the meeting take place?
It was an extraordinary scene in the Oval Office as President Trump made a public break with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. The two presidents and Vice President Vance argued for nearly five minutes in front of cameras. The heated back-and-forth could have profound effects on Ukraine and its defense against Russia's invasion and the U.S. relationship with Europe.
If time allows, read Fact-checking Trump and Vance’s attacks on Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
Discussion Questions
- Who were the three leaders in the Oval Office discussing Russia's war in Ukraine?
- When did the meeting take place?
- Why was President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House?
- What were the leaders discussing? At what point did the main argument break out?
- How did Russia respond to the meeting in the White House?
Focus Questions
Why do you think the meeting in the Oval Office got so combative? What do you think should have happened instead? What steps need to happen next?
Media literacy: The U.S. and Ukraine have been long-time allies. What information do you need to know as to why the Trump administration has taken such a turn in its support of Ukraine?
Extension Activity
Learn more about the history of Russia's war in Ukraine. Following the meeting in the Oval Office, examine these perspectives about the war.
- Brooks and Capehart on the implications of Trump's altercation with Zelenskyy
- Timothy Snyder is one of the country's leading historians of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union who has written widely on Ukraine, Russia and the war. Hear more from him here.
- Former U.S. ambassador on Zelenskyy’s next moves after Oval Office blowout.
- Some of President Trump's fervent allies stood behind his actions in the Oval Office with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. However, Ukrainian supporters within the Republican Party have expressed concerns about how the meeting played out and fear it could derail further negotiations with the country. Watch Amna Nawaz's discussion with one of those GOP lawmakers, Rep. Mike Lawler, here.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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