Zelenskyy and Trump meeeting started off with a friendly exchange of compliments on Friday but quickly escalated into a heated argument, capturing the attention of the global media present at the White House. Following the confrontation, the Ukrainian delegation was asked to exit the White House, leaving the formal lunch with the President unconsumed, according to reports.
Key points
Zelenskyy told to leave White House.
Zelenskyy departs the White House without finalizing a minerals deal following a heated exchange in the Oval Office. Top Trump advisers asked the Ukrainian leader to leave the White House shortly after Trump raised his voice at him, displaying clear disdain.
Trump says to Zelenskyy that “You’re playing with the possibility of World War III, and what you’re doing is incredibly disrespectful to this country, the one that has supported you more than many people acknowledge,”
President Trump spoke to Zelenskyy, stating, “You say you don’t want a ceasefire. I want a ceasefire because it comes quicker than reaching an agreement.”
The Ukrainian president Zelenskyy interjected, “I told you … with assurances. Inquire with our people about a ceasefire, about their opinions.” Trump abruptly cut off the discussion, stating, “that wasn’t with me.”
The final 10 minutes of the almost 45-minute meeting turned into a heated exchange among Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy expressed doubts about Russia’s dedication to diplomacy, pointing to Moscow’s history of failing to uphold its commitments on the international stage.
What was the Ukrainian ambassador reaction?
During the tense conversation between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Friday, Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova looked visibly upset, resting her head in her hand.
The moment was documented in several viral photos and videos as Trump pressed Zelenskyy on why he was hesitant to pursue a ceasefire with Russia during a live press event at the White House.
As the shaky microphones hovered over the two leaders, Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova bowed her head to her right hand and shut her eyes.
Zelenskyy departs the White House without finalizing a minerals deal following a heated exchange in the Oval Office.
The leaders were anticipated to finalize an agreement on sharing Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and to engage in discussions about a peace deal with Russia when the dialogue became heated. Zelenskyy is said to have turned down the mineral security agreement ahead of Friday’s meeting because it lacked security guarantees to protect Ukraine from a potential Russian invasion.
Although the Ukrainian president cautioned that he would require those assurances to finalize the agreement, sources indicated that the dismissal upset both Trump and Vance.
In the past 10 days, drones and airstrikes have claimed the lives of 47 civilians in Ukraine, leading to a flurry of superlatives: the most pivotal moment in the war since Russia’s invasion; the most intense personality clash — between a 48-year-old comedian turned wartime leader and a septuagenarian billionaire turned US president; the most important turning point in European history since 1989 or even 1945.
JD Vance and Zelenskyy
As the heated argument went on, Zelensky inquired of Vance whether he had “ever been” to Ukraine to “witness the issues” they face.
“I’ve seen the stories and know what happens, Mr. President. You take people on a propaganda tour,” Vance said.
Trump reply on social media
After the argument, Donald Trump took to social media to say that Volodymyr Zelensky “can come back when he is ready for peace.”
We had a significant meeting at the White House today. There was a lot learned that could only be grasped through conversation in such intense circumstances. It’s remarkable what emotions can reveal, and I’ve concluded that President Zelenskyy isn’t prepared for peace if America is part of the equation, as he believes our involvement gives him a considerable edge in negotiations,” he posted on X.
Trump X account—-> Trump