The White House announced that Volodymyr Zelensky left early following a public confrontation with Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, Reuters reports. Zelensky had been set to sign a mineral extraction deal with the U.S. After the meeting, Trump issued a statement on his social media platform, Truth.
“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
During the White House meeting, a heated exchange broke out in front of the cameras between President Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump told Zelensky to “be thankful” for U.S. assistance and accused him of “gambling with World War III.” He claimed that without American weapons and equipment, the war would have ended in two weeks and warned that Zelensky must either reach a peace agreement or risk losing U.S. support. Zelensky pushed back, arguing that negotiations were impossible with an opponent who breaks agreements, kills people, and refuses to exchange prisoners.
Vice President J.D. Vance also joined the confrontation, accusing Zelensky of disrespecting the U.S. administration by coming to the Oval Office only to publicly criticize those trying to prevent his country’s destruction. Zelensky invited Vance to visit Ukraine and see the situation for himself, adding that while the U.S. remains shielded by the ocean and has yet to feel the consequences, it may face them in the future. Trump abruptly cut him off, saying he had no right to speak about Americans’ concerns and that Ukraine “doesn’t have the cards.” As the meeting ended, Zelensky remarked that it would make for a “great TV show.”
