A heated confrontation unfolded between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, culminating in accusations of disrespect and the cancellation of a joint press conference. The dramatic exchange took place in the Oval Office and was followed by a pointed social media post from Trump.
“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The two leaders were scheduled to sign a framework mineral agreement and hold a joint press conference at 1 p.m., but the planned appearances were abruptly canceled following a tense showdown involving Trump, Zelensky, and Vice President JD Vance. Witnessed by White House officials, the media, and members of the Ukrainian delegation, the dispute escalated into a shouting match.
Shortly after Trump’s social media statement, the White House press pool confirmed the cancellation of the press conference. Zelensky left the West Wing with a somber expression two hours and 20 minutes after his arrival.
The meeting initially began on a positive note with handshakes and warm words, with Trump at one point describing Zelensky as “a great guy.” However, tensions rose when Zelensky attempted to explain Russian President Vladimir Putin’s lack of diplomacy to Vice President Vance. This exchange grew heated, with Vance accusing Zelensky of “litigating” in front of the world’s press and criticizing him for his appearances with Democrats during the 2024 campaign. Vance labeled Zelensky’s remarks as “disrespectful” to the administration.
As the confrontation escalated, Trump raised his voice, accusing the Ukrainian president of ingratitude. “You should be thanking the US,” Trump said. “You don’t have the cards. You are either going to make a deal or we’re out, and if we are out, you will fight it out. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.”
The two leaders had been expected to sign a deal creating a joint US-Ukraine fund for investment in the extraction of Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals, essential for the production of various technological products. The meeting was intended to finalize this agreement, but the contentious exchange left those plans in doubt.