In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, United States President Donald Trump cut short a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, declaring that the Ukrainian leader is “not ready” for peace with Russia.
The extraordinary breakdown in the Oval Office has raised fresh doubts over the chances of a US-brokered truce.
Zelensky had been scheduled for a full White House visit, where he was expected to sign a deal on US-Ukrainian joint exploitation of Ukraine’s mineral resources as part of a post-war recovery framework. However, tensions flared almost immediately in the Oval Office, derailing the planned discussions.
Heated Exchange in the Oval Office
The meeting quickly descended into a shouting match, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance berating Zelensky, accusing him of lacking gratitude for US support in Ukraine’s three-year-long war against Russia’s invasion.
Trump pressed Zelensky to acknowledge US contributions, insisting, “You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out and I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.”
Trump further scolded the Ukrainian leader, asserting that without American assistance, Ukraine would have already been overrun by Russia.
Zelensky, however, pushed back, showing Trump images of war atrocities and stating unequivocally that Ukraine could not compromise with Russia. Referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin, he said, “There should be no compromises with a killer on our territory.”
The Ukrainian president also highlighted Russian war crimes, including the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. “Crazy Russians,” he remarked.
Meeting Ends Abruptly, No Deal Signed
Following the heated exchange, Zelensky left the White House in his motorcade without participating in the planned joint press conference. The White House later confirmed that the anticipated minerals deal remained unsigned.
Trump soon took to his Truth Social platform to criticise Zelensky, accusing him of disrespecting the United States. “He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office,” Trump wrote.
Zelensky is “not ready for Peace,” he added. “He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
Fallout from the Clash
The dramatic public confrontation has cast serious doubts over Trump’s efforts to present himself as a mediator in the ongoing war.
Trump, who has previously suggested that Ukraine must make “compromises” to achieve peace, reiterated this stance following the failed talks. “You can’t do any deals without compromises. So certainly he’s going to have to make some compromises, but hopefully they won’t be as big as some people think,” he said.
However, his remarks were met with scepticism from European leaders. French and British officials, who had also visited Washington this week, sought to persuade Trump to maintain strong US support for Ukraine rather than align with Russia’s perspective.
Following the diplomatic fallout, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reassured Zelensky, saying, “You are not alone.”
Trump’s Shifting Stance on Ukraine
Trump’s approach to the conflict has been increasingly unpredictable. His rhetoric on Zelensky has fluctuated, with the US president calling the Ukrainian leader a “dictator” last week while simultaneously blaming Ukraine for Russia’s 2022 invasion.
At a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, Trump adopted a more conciliatory tone. “I have a lot of respect for him,” he said of Zelensky. “We’re going to get along really well.”
However, the meeting at the White House suggested otherwise, further complicating Trump’s evolving posture on the war.
Trump has also openly expressed admiration for Putin, stating this week that he trusts the Russian president to “keep his word” on any ceasefire.
Political Backlash and Continued Russian Aggression
The White House confrontation has intensified political divisions in Washington. Senate Democrats have condemned Trump’s actions, accusing him and Vice President Vance of siding with Putin.
“They are doing Putin’s dirty work. Senate Democrats will never stop fighting for freedom and democracy,” said Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Senator Chris Van Hollen called the incident “disgraceful.”
Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine rages on. On Friday, Russian forces launched a fresh assault on Ukraine’s border from the Russian region of Kursk. Ukrainian officials reported that Russian infantry were storming positions near areas reclaimed by Kyiv last summer.
