Shortly thereafter, Trump issued a statement indicating that the two had not finalized the minerals agreement.
“I have concluded that President Zelenskyy is not prepared for peace if America is involved, as he perceives our participation as providing him a significant advantage in negotiations,” he remarked. “I seek not an advantage, but PEACE. He has shown disrespect to the United States of America in its esteemed Oval Office. He may return when he is ready for peace.”
During the public segment of the meeting, both Trump and Vance took turns criticizing Zelenskyy, with Vance accusing him of engaging in “publicity tours,” while Trump remarked, “You’re not in a favorable position at this moment.”
At one juncture, Vance pressed, “Have you expressed gratitude even once?” Building on this, Trump addressed Zelenskyy, stating, “Do you believe it is respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and criticize the administration that is striving to avert the destruction of your nation?”
Trump then presented Zelenskyy with an ultimatum, asserting that Ukraine must either “reach an agreement or we will withdraw,” implying that the United States could disengage from negotiations and cease support for Kyiv more than three years after Russia initiated its full-scale invasion.
“Do not dictate our feelings. We are attempting to resolve an issue,” Trump continued. “You are not in a position to determine our sentiments. We will feel quite positive … You currently lack leverage with us, and you will begin to encounter difficulties immediately.”
Trump also informed Zelenskyy that “Putin endured a great deal with me” during the impeachment controversy of his first term. “He is eager to reach an agreement,” Trump stated. “I am uncertain if you can achieve a deal.” At one point during the discussion, the Ukrainian ambassador to Washington appeared to be in distress, holding her head in her hands.
The issue at hand is that I have granted you the authority to be assertive, and I doubt he would possess that assertiveness without the backing of the United States. Your people exhibit remarkable courage,” Trump stated. “However, you must either reach an agreement or we will withdraw, and should we withdraw, you will have to resolve the situation on your own. I do not anticipate it will be a pleasant outcome.”
Trump concluded the meeting by remarking that Zelenskyy was not displaying sufficient gratitude, labeling this behavior as “not a nice thing.”
“This will make for excellent television,” he added.
In an interview with CNN following the unexpected confrontation, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio questioned Zelenskyy’s genuine desire for peace, suggesting that the Ukrainian leader should issue an apology after the meeting deteriorated into what he termed a “fiasco.” Rubio remarked, “There was no need for him to enter the discussion in an antagonistic manner.”
“When one speaks so aggressively – and the president is known for his deal-making, having negotiated throughout his career – it becomes challenging to bring people to the negotiating table,” he explained. “This leads to the impression that perhaps Zelenskyy does not truly seek a peace agreement. He claims he does, but there may be doubts.”
Russian officials expressed delight at the remarkable events that unfolded at the White House, while Ukraine’s European allies voiced their support for Kyiv.
Dmitry Medvedev, the former president of Russia, remarked that Zelenskyy received a “solid slap” from Trump, characterizing it as “a brutal dressing-down in the Oval Office.”
European foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Europe would enhance its support for Ukraine “to enable them to continue resisting the aggressor.” In a subtle critique of Trump, she asserted, “Today, it became evident that the free world requires a new leader. It is our responsibility, as Europeans, to meet this challenge.”
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, commended Zelenskyy, stating, “Your dignity reflects the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Remain strong, courageous, and unyielding.” She added on X, “We will persist in our efforts alongside you for a just and enduring peace.”
French President Emmanuel Macron stated to reporters, “Russia is the aggressor, while Ukraine is the victim of aggression. These are fundamental truths that are important to keep in mind during such times.”
In a subsequent interview with Fox News, President Zelenskyy remarked that the discussion in the Oval Office involving Trump and Vance was “not beneficial for either party.” When asked to address Trump’s assertion that Zelenskyy lacked interest in peace, he emphasized that no one desired the resolution of the three-year conflict more than the Ukrainian people. However, he insisted that Ukraine and Europe required security assurances from the United States prior to engaging in peace negotiations.
Zelenskyy noted that even if he were to order a cessation of hostilities, “nobody will simply stop,” as there is a pervasive fear that “Putin will return tomorrow.” He expressed a desire for a just and enduring peace.
Despite the challenging exchanges, the Ukrainian leader expressed optimism that his rapport with Trump could be repaired and that a minerals agreement might progress.
Before heading to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump informed reporters on the South Lawn of the White House that Zelenskyy was “seeking something that I am not pursuing” and reiterated his belief that the Ukrainian leader was intent on “fighting, fighting, fighting.”
“Either we will bring this to an end, or we will allow him to continue fighting, and if he does, the outcome will not be favorable because without our support, he cannot prevail,” Trump stated.
The personal dynamic between Trump and Zelenskyy has been fraught since Trump’s previous term, during which he faced impeachment—though he was not convicted—for allegedly pressuring Zelenskyy to investigate the business dealings of Hunter Biden in Ukraine. However, Friday represented a significant low point in their relationship, with the public confrontation occurring at a time when Ukraine is in urgent need of foreign military assistance and international backing to sustain its defense against the ongoing Russian invasion.
Susan Glasser of The New Yorker characterized the incident as “the most shocking behavior by Trump and Vance I’ve ever witnessed in the Oval Office. An ambush.”
Zelenskyy arrived in Washington on Friday following several weeks of fraught negotiations, during which he claimed that the United States was pressuring him to agree to a deal that would take “10 generations to repay.”
Trump has expressed his desire for the United States to be compensated for the military assistance provided to Ukraine; however, analysts have indicated that the proposed deal resembles a shakedown at a time when Ukraine is particularly vulnerable.
The agreement would establish a general framework for a joint investment fund that would collect revenues from the sale of Ukrainian deposits of graphite, lithium, rare earth metals, and oil and gas. Nonetheless, many of these resources are located near the frontlines, making it improbable that they would yield the hundreds of billions of dollars that the U.S. claims it wishes to recover from its military support to Ukraine.
Furthermore, the deal lacks the specific security guarantees that Ukrainian officials have been seeking throughout the negotiations, which have fluctuated since the proposal was first introduced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his visit to Kyiv earlier this month.
In a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, Trump suggested that American workers dispatched to extract Ukraine’s natural resources could act as a “backstop,” serving as a deterrent against further Russian aggression if an agreement is reached.
As Zelenskyy arrived at the White House, Trump attempted to assert physical dominance over the Ukrainian leader, remarking to reporters that Zelenskyy, dressed in a black turtleneck, was “all dressed up.” Since the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion three years ago, Zelenskyy has refrained from appearing in public in a suit, opting instead for military-style attire. Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the Ukrainian leader’s choice of clothing.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy engaged with United States lawmakers earlier on Friday.
He described his interactions with a bipartisan Senate delegation as “an important visit to the United States.” The discussions centered on ongoing military support for Ukraine, pertinent legislative measures, his meeting with President Trump, initiatives aimed at securing a just and enduring peace, strategies for concluding the conflict, and the necessity of strong security assurances.
