Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy left the White House on Friday without signing a critical minerals deal that US President Donald Trump had advocated for, hinting at its connection to future American support for Ukraine, while Trump asserted: “He can come back when he is ready for peace.”
Zelenskyy’s early departure on Friday afternoon followed a heated exchange in the Oval Office, where Trump abruptly cut talks short and reportedly accused the Ukrainian leader of being “disrespectful.” The confrontation led to the collapse of planned discussions over the critical minerals deal.
Sharing a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “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,” Trump added.
Zelenskyy was expected to finalise a major economic agreement with the US, aimed at funding Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction and strengthening long-term ties between the two nations.
The agreement, viewed as progress towards ending the three-year conflict, emphasised Ukraine’s security concerns. During the initial phase of the meeting at the White House’s East Room, Trump indicated the imminent signing of the agreement.
“We have something that is a very fair deal,” Trump said, adding that, “It is a big commitment from the United States.”
He expressed desire to halt the warfare, suggesting US funds should be directed towards reconstruction efforts.
The final 10 minutes of the 45-minute meeting turned confrontational between Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Zelenskyy, who expressed doubts about Russian diplomatic sincerity, citing Moscow’s history of unfulfilled international commitments.
Vance initiated the tension by stating, “Mr. President, with respect. I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media.”
When Zelenskyy attempted to respond, Trump raised his voice saying, “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people.”
“You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that’s backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have,” Trump continued.
Trump indicated Zelenskyy’s limited negotiating position.
“You’re not in a good position. You don’t have the cards right now,” Trump said pointing his finger towards Zelenskyy. “With us you start having cards.”
He further criticised Zelenskyy’s attitude towards the US
“It’s going to be a very hard thing to do business like this,” Trump remarked during their overlapping discussion about Ukraine’s international support.
“Again, just say thank you,” Vance told Zelenskyy, criticising his public airing of disagreements. Trump, however, welcomed the exchange, stating, “I think it’s good for the American people to see what’s going on.”
“You’re not acting at all thankful,” Trump said.”
“This is going to be great television,” he added.
The contentious exchange occurred at a crucial time for Ukraine, when Zelenskyy’s agenda included seeking US support against potential future Russian military actions.
