Former U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in a heated exchange at the White House on Friday over efforts to end the war between Ukraine and Russia.
During the meeting, Vance questioned Zelenskyy’s approach to securing U.S. support. “Have you said ‘thank you’ once this entire meeting?” Vance asked, suggesting that Ukraine should be more appreciative of American assistance.
Zelenskyy pushed back, questioning Vance’s understanding of the situation. “Have you ever been to Ukraine that you say what problems we have?” he asked.
Tensions escalated as Vance accused Ukraine of “forcing conscripts to the front lines” due to manpower shortages. “You should be thanking the president for bringing it, to bring it into this country,” he said.
Trump presses for peace deal
Trump, who has sought a diplomatic resolution to the war, intervened as the exchange grew more confrontational. When Zelenskyy warned that the U.S. would feel the effects of the conflict in the future, Trump dismissed the remark.
“Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel,” Trump said. “We’re trying to solve a problem.”
Zelenskyy maintained that war brings challenges to all sides. “Everybody has problems, even you,” he said.
‘You don’t have the cards right now’
The discussion shifted to negotiations over a potential U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal, which Trump has linked to a broader peace agreement. Trump told Zelenskyy that Ukraine was in a weak position.
“You don’t have the cards right now,” Trump said. “With us, you start having cards.”
“I’m not playing cards,” Zelenskyy replied.
Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of “gambling with the lives of millions of people” and “gambling with World War III.”
White House meeting cut short
Following the tense exchange, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that Zelenskyy was “not ready for peace.” A White House official confirmed to Reuters that Trump asked Zelenskyy to leave and canceled a planned press conference. The minerals deal was not signed.
“It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace if America is involved,” Trump wrote. “He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace.”