President Donald Trump ended his meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky and kicked him out of the White House after the Ukrainian leader’s “disrespectful” behavior in front of the world’s media in the Oval Office.
Conversations about a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia came to a screeching halt Friday.
A tense meeting between Trump, Zelensky, and Vice President J.D. Vance led to a canceled press conference and a minerals deal off the table, a White House official confirmed.
Trump accused Zelensky of “disrespecting” America during their Friday meeting.
He said the Ukrainian leader’s behavior shows he is “not ready” to secure peace for his country.
Shortly after the fiery meeting, Trump said in a Truth Social post:
“I have determined that President Zelensky 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.”
Zelensky visited Washington amid negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
He was expected to sign a minerals agreement that would allow the U.S. access to Ukraine’s minerals.
The deal for Ukraine’s minerals in exchange for support the U.S. has provided the country since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
The minerals will allow Ukraine to pay American taxpayers back for the aid they have provided while acting as a future deterrent against aggression toward the country.
However, things took a turn south in front of the press in the Oval Office, as Slay News reported.
Zelensky started complaining about the deal in front of the media and demanded answers from Trump and Vance about how they planned to stop Putin’s “aggression.”
Trump and Vance accused Zelenskyy of not being grateful for the support the U.S. has provided over the years.
They said that the Ukrainian leader was in a “bad position” at the negotiating table.
“You’re playing cards,” Trump said.
“You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people.
“You’re gambling with World War III. You’re gambling with World War III.
“And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country.”
Additionally, Zelensky was asked if he believed Trump was on Ukraine’s side.
However, Zelensky told reporters at the Oval Office that he believed the U.S. is on Ukraine’s side.
Zelensky also emphasized the importance of Europe’s assistance during the conflict with Russia — prompting Trump to interject to note that America’s contributions were far more significant.
Yet, Zelensky pushed back and claimed that wasn’t true.
WATCH:
The exact numbers on financial assistance to Ukraine vary slightly, depending on what is considered aid.
However, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, Congress has appropriated $175 billion since 2022 for aid to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, assistance to Ukraine from all European nations combined between January 2022 and December 2024 totals roughly $138.7 billion, the German-based think tank the Kiel Institute estimates.
In his full statement on Truth Social, Trumo said:
“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.”
While meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, Trump told reporters that a peace negotiation was in the final stages.
Although, he exercised caution about sharing details concerning a peacekeeping force in the region until a deal was finalized.
“I think we’re very well advanced on a deal,” Trump said.
“But we have not made a deal yet.
“So I don’t like to talk about peacekeeping until we have a deal.
“I like to get things done.”
Trump also said he didn’t expect Putin to violate any agreement to create peace with Ukraine.
“I don’t believe he’s going to violate his word,” Trump said Thursday.
“I don’t think he’ll be back when we make a deal.
“I think the deal is going to hold now.”
