Ambassador resigns over Trump-Zelenskyy shouting match in Oval Office

Brigitte Brink revealed that a 28 February tense argument between Trump and Zelenskyy, during a meeting meant to seal a mineral resources deal, was a key reason she stepped down as US Ambassador to Ukraine.
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Former US Ambassador Bridget Brink at the US Embassy, Kyiv, Ukraine, 4 July 2023. Photo: Flickr/US EMbassy Kyiv Ukraine
Ambassador resigns over Trump-Zelenskyy shouting match in Oval Office

Former US Ambassador to Ukraine Brigitte Brink has revealed that one reason for her resignation was a dispute between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump at the White House in winter 2025. 

On 28 February, Zelenskyy arrived in Washington for his first meeting with Trump. An agreement on mineral resources was expected to be signed. However, during the meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vice President J.D. Vance, a dispute erupted over the Russia–Ukraine war. Zelenskyy left the White House early, and the agreement was not signed.

Brink described the meeting as a “disaster” and explained it was "one of the reasons I resigned as US Ambassador to Ukraine."

Reasons for Brink's resignation

The former ambassador noted that before another Zelenskyy–Trump meeting, she had urged support for democracies and opposition to dictators. She criticized Trump for promising to end the war between Ukraine and Russia, while, since the start of his administration, Putin has escalated the fighting.

"But when the Trump Administration’s policies go against our values and our interests, I’ll always speak out and fight for what’s right," she claimed. 

Disagreements in Washington

Earlier, the Financial Times reported that Brink’s resignation in April stemmed from increasing political disagreements with the Trump administration. Senior officials questioned her willingness to support its strategy regarding Ukraine.

Brink's stance on US policy

"Putin understands one thing: strength. The only way to stop him is to use all the levers of American power, together w/democratic partners, to make it clear that continuing the war will devastate Russia’s already struggling economy," she added. 

Brink recently announced her intention to run for the US Congress, emphasizing that support for Ukraine and democracies remains her priority.

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