The highly anticipated meeting between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly turned sour, showcasing a spat between world leaders – on camera. What was meant to be a crucial discussion on a critical minerals deal escalated into a heated confrontation, with Zelenskyy leaving the White House early without signing the agreement.
The clash stemmed from Trump’s frustration with Zelensky’s stance on peace with Russia, accusing him of not being “thankful” for US support in the ongoing war. Trump said, “You don’t have the cards right now,” warning that without a deal, Ukraine would face a grim future.
White House chefs were preparing plates of rosemary chicken and collard greens on Friday when raised voices echoed from the Oval Office, CNN reported. Inside, a diplomatic disaster was unfolding as Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance confronted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a tense and ultimately “disastrous” meeting.
The encounter, initially meant to solidify a deal on rare earth minerals, quickly spiralled into a public implosion of a key global relationship. The scene exposed deep divisions between the US and Ukraine, culminating in a cancelled press conference and an unceremonious exit for Zelenskyy.
Tensions were evident from the outset. Zelenskyy, dressed in his signature military attire, was met with a sarcastic remark from Trump: “Oh, you’re all dressed up.” The Ukrainian president’s choice of clothing soon became a point of contention when a right-wing reporter asked why he was not wearing a suit. Zelenskyy responded that he would wear one after the war ended, but the exchange set an uneasy tone.
For the first 40 minutes, discussions remained focused on the minerals deal, with a signing ceremony prepared in the East Room. However, the meeting took a sharp turn when Vance interjected, urging Ukraine to engage in diplomacy. Zelenskyy bristled, recalling past ceasefires Russia had broken.
“What kind of diplomacy, JD, are you speaking about?” he demanded.
Vance fired back: “I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country.”
The situation quickly deteriorated. Trump, growing agitated, accused Zelenskyy of disrespecting him in front of the American media. When the Ukrainian leader tried to respond, Trump interrupted, his voice rising.
“You don’t have the cards right now,” he bellowed. “You’re gambling with the lives of millions. You’re gambling with World War III.”
As reporters were ushered out, a rattled Ukrainian delegation retreated to the Roosevelt Room. White House officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, decided Zelenskyy was not in a position to negotiate and instructed him to leave.
With plates of food left untouched, Zelenskyy’s motorcade exited the White House at 1:42 p.m. without ceremony. An hour later, he issued a social media statement thanking America for its support, but the damage was done, the report by CNN said.
Trump’s allies quickly rallied, casting the meeting as a show of strength. “President Trump and VP Vance are standing up for Americans,” the White House said in a statement. Republican senator Lindsey Graham went further, suggesting Zelenskyy should apologise or step aside.
Meanwhile, in the East Room, the stage for a press conference was quietly dismantled. Trump, preparing to leave for Mar-a-Lago, told reporters: “He’s looking to fight, fight, fight. We’re looking to end the death.” When asked if he wanted Zelenskyy to resign, he avoided a direct answer, saying only, “I want somebody that’s going to make peace.”
Zelenskyy later appeared on Fox News, expressing regret that the confrontation played out publicly. “I think it was not good,” he admitted, though he remained confident in Ukraine’s relationship with the US.
“Your people helped save our people,” he said. “We are very, very thankful.”
