Watch: White House holds briefing as Trump faces criticism over Ukraine moves

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt briefed the press Tuesday afternoon, as President Trump's proposals to end the war between Russia and Ukraine raised eyebrows.

Trump seemingly inched closer to Russian President Vladimir Putin last week after placing significant blame on Ukraine for the conflict that began over three years ago. The president also laid criticism on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, insinuating the leader is a "dictator" and justifying moves by the administration that kept Ukraine out of early peace talks with Russia.

The president has signaled willingness to meet with Zelensky to sign a deal that would provide Ukraine with a guarantee of safety in exchange for critical minerals from the Eastern European country.

The press briefing followed a decision by the U.S. and 17 other countries to vote against a U.N. resolution condemning the Kremlin for the war in the region. Russia was among those signatures.

It also came as Republicans in Congress race to pass their budget resolution seeking to advance Trump's legislative agenda ahead of a March 14 deadline.

The event was scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. EST.

Watch the video replay above.

Topics

White House holds press briefing

Watch live coverage as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt holds a press briefing.
NBC News - 9h
Watch live: Trump, Macron hold White House press conference

President Trump hosts French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, the first visit by a European leader to the White House since Trump returned. They started their day by taking part in a virtual ...
The Hill - 1d
Watch Live: Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron hold press conference at the White House

President Trump is meeting Monday with French President Emmanuel Macron as the Russia-Ukraine war takes center stage three years after Russia's invasion.
CBS News - 1d
White House pushes back on criticism of Trump spending cuts

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Friday said Americans support the massive job and spending cuts President Trump has enacted across the federal government since returning to the Oval ...
CBS News - 4d
Trump spars with Maine’s governor at the White House over transgender athletes

Trump sparred with Maine’s Democratic governor during a meeting of governors at the White House, with Gov. Janet Mills telling the Trump, “We’ll see you in court,” over his push to deny federal ...
NBC News - 4d
A.P. Sues Trump Officials Over White House Ban

The wire service sued three of them for denying its reporters access to press events. The White House has objected to The A.P.’s references to the Gulf of Mexico in articles.
The New York Times - 3d
Tuchel holds talks with White over England future

England head coach Thomas Tuchel holds talks with Arsenal defender Ben White ahead of naming his first squad next month.
BBC News - 10h
AP sues over White House access restrictions

The Associated Press sued White House officials Friday for restricting the wire service’s access to the Oval Office and Air Force One over its refusal to use “Gulf of America” in its AP Stylebook. ...
The Hill - 4d
Tesla sales almost halve in Europe as Musk faces criticism over Trump ties

Tech billionaire, a close adviser to the US president, is a vocal supporter of Germany’s far-right AfD party. Sales of new Tesla cars almost halved in Europe last month, indicating waning demand ...
The Guardian - 11h