Zelensky's Gift Mix-Up Sparks Diplomatic Clash with Trump at White House

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently revealed that a gift mix-up contributed to a heated exchange during his February meeting with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. Zelensky intended to present Trump with the heavyweight boxing championship belt of Oleksandr Usyk but instead showed him graphic images of Ukrainian prisoners of war, which Trump found distressing. US officials believe that these images led Trump to feel blamed for the suffering depicted, escalating tensions between the two leaders. Zelensky clarified that his goal was to appeal to Trump's humanity, emphasizing shared values, but acknowledged the conversation deteriorated. The incident resulted in Trump canceling a planned press conference and expelling Zelensky from the White House. The championship belt was later found stored in Trump's private dining room, a reminder of the diplomatic misstep.