A potential agreement between the United States and Ukraine, aimed at advancing an end to the war with Russia, was thrown into uncertainty on Friday after a tense Oval Office meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy turned confrontational.
During the discussion, Trump accused Zelenskyy of lacking gratitude for U.S. support, telling him, “You’re not acting at all thankful,” and warning, “You’re gambling with World War III.” Zelenskyy attempted to push back, insisting he had expressed appreciation, but Trump spoke over him, escalating the exchange. The scheduled press conference was abruptly canceled, and Zelenskyy left the White House without taking questions.
Zelenskyy had traveled to Washington intending to sign a deal granting the U.S. access to Ukrainian rare earth and critical minerals, but the heated discussion—marked by raised voices and cross talk in front of TV cameras—left negotiations in limbo.
Trump defended his stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin, insisting he was working toward peace, saying, “I’m not aligned with anybody. I’m aligned with the United States of America, and for the good of the world.” Vice President JD Vance echoed this sentiment, describing Trump’s approach as diplomacy.
The conversation took a sharp turn when Zelenskyy accused Putin of repeatedly violating agreements. “He broke the ceasefire. He killed our people. … What kind of diplomacy, JD, are you talking about?” he asked. Vance, in turn, accused Zelenskyy of using the media to push his narrative and criticized him for supposedly campaigning for Democrats in Pennsylvania. The back-and-forth escalated, with Zelenskyy urging Vance to visit Ukraine firsthand. “Come once. See the problems we have,” he challenged.
At one point, Trump snapped, “Don’t tell us what we’re gonna feel. We’re trying to solve a problem,” as Zelenskyy warned that the world would inevitably feel Russia’s influence.
Following the meeting, Trump posted on Truth Social, declaring that he had “determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace.”
