Tensions flared in the Oval Office Friday during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House, with President Donald Trump ultimately concluding Zelenskyy wasn’t “ready for peace.”
Both the U.S. president and Vice President J.D. Vance became angry with Zelenskyy and fervently reminded him of America’s contributions to the Ukrainian war effort against Russia.
“Mr. President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into this Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media,” Vance told Zelenskyy. “You should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to this conflict.”
Zelenskyy, with his arms crossed, cut off Vance.
“Have you ever been to Ukraine?… Come once,” Zelenskyy said.
Vance accused Zelenskyy of “[bringing] people on a propaganda tour” to conscript them into the Ukrainian military.
Moments later, Trump interrupted Zelenskyy when Zelenskyy, trying to convey the desperation felt by Ukrainians, seemed to say that though the U.S. has been shielded from many of the war’s effects so far, it would “soon” feel more of Ukraine’s pain “in the future.”
“You don’t have any cards right now; with us, you start having cards,” Trump said.
“I’m not playing cards,” Zelenskyy shot back.
“You’re gambling with World War 3,” Trump told the Ukraine president at one point.
Zelenskyy and Trump were expected to arrive at a deal Friday over Ukrainian minerals the U.S. wanted access to, though it was a given they would discuss the war, as well. Trump has repeatedly expressed confidence that, with his administration in power, Russia and Ukraine will soon reach a peace agreement.
Trump told Zelenskyy he didn’t think he was showing enough gratitude for all the U.S. has done for Ukraine during the three-year conflict.
The American president released a statement on Truth Social at 1:16 PM Friday, after a joint press conference with the two world leaders was supposed to have started.
“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,” Trump wrote.
“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 concluded by saying Zelenskyy could “come back when he was ready for peace.”
