Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy entered the White House on Friday hoping to secure a key minerals deal and reaffirm U.S. support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. However, the talks quickly unraveled into a tense standoff, with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance strongly rebuking Zelenskyy, leading to an abrupt end to the meeting.

No agreement was signed, no joint statement was issued, and in a striking move, Zelenskyy’s delegation was asked to leave, signaling a clear breakdown in negotiations. Trump later accused the Ukrainian leader of being “disrespectful” and cast doubt on his commitment to peace, further igniting international reactions.

White House Meeting Turns Hostile

What was expected to be a high-level diplomatic discussion soon escalated into a heated exchange. Vice President Vance set the tone by accusing Zelenskyy of showing a lack of respect. Trump then raised his voice, warning, “You’re gambling with World War III.”

When questioned about his stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump, who had previously labeled Zelenskyy a “dictator,” insisted that his approach was aimed at achieving peace by balancing relations with both leaders. Vance backed him, arguing that former President Joe Biden’s confrontational strategy had only prolonged the war.

Zelenskyy pushed back, highlighting Russia’s repeated violations of ceasefire agreements. “What kind of diplomacy are you referring to, JD?” he asked.

Vance shot back: “Diplomacy that will end the destruction of your country.” He then criticized Zelenskyy’s approach: “It’s inappropriate for you to come here and argue your case in front of the American media.”

As the exchange grew more heated, Zelenskyy emphasized the global consequences of the war, stating, “You might not feel it now, but in the future, you will.”

Trump interrupted sharply: “Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. We’re trying to solve a problem.”

Zelenskyy tried to clarify, but Trump cut him off again: “You’re in no position to dictate that.” He then added, “You’re not in a strong position. You don’t have the leverage. With us, you start having leverage.”

Visibly frustrated, Zelenskyy countered, “I’m not playing games, Mr. President.”

Trump dismissed the response, saying, “You are playing games. You’re gambling with millions of lives and global stability. What you’re doing is disrespectful to this country.”

The tension reached a peak when Vance questioned whether Zelenskyy had shown any appreciation for U.S. support. “Have you even said ‘thank you’ once?” he pressed.

Zelenskyy insisted that he had expressed gratitude “many times.” Vance fired back, “Not once in this meeting.”

Shortly after, Trump abruptly ended the talks and canceled their planned joint media briefing.

Zelenskyy’s Delegation Ordered to Leave

This was Zelenskyy’s fifth visit to the White House, but his first since Trump returned to office. Following the heated discussion, the Ukrainian delegation was asked to leave the premises. A scheduled working lunch between both teams was also scrapped, with reports indicating that untouched plates were removed from the Cabinet Room.

Trump Takes to Social Media, Calls Zelenskyy ‘Not Ready for Peace’

Following the meeting, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to express his frustration, declaring that Zelenskyy was “not ready for peace.”

“I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not interested in peace if America is involved. He sees our presence as leverage in negotiations. I don’t want leverage—I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States in our Oval Office. He can return when he is ready for peace,” Trump stated.

Later, speaking to the media, Trump claimed Zelenskyy did not seem like a leader willing to negotiate an end to the war. “He needs to say, ‘I want to make peace.’ Instead, he keeps talking about Putin and making accusations,” Trump said. “He doesn’t have the upper hand.”

“We’re not going to keep fighting indefinitely. Either we make peace, or they figure it out themselves,” he added.

Zelenskyy Responds, Thanks American People

After leaving the White House, Zelenskyy shared a post on X, expressing gratitude for U.S. support despite the tense meeting.

“Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine seeks a just and lasting peace, and we continue working towards that,” he wrote.

In an interview with Fox News, Zelenskyy asserted that Ukraine would not enter peace negotiations with Russia without security guarantees. He described the White House confrontation as “not beneficial for either side.”

Global Reactions to the White House Clash

The diplomatic fallout was swift, drawing responses from world leaders.

French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed Europe’s support for Ukraine, stating, “Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine is defending itself. We made the right decision to support Ukraine and sanction Russia, and we must continue.”

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre called the incident “worrying,” emphasizing that Ukraine’s security is also crucial for the U.S. and Europe. “Trump’s claim that Zelenskyy is gambling with World War III is unfounded. Norway stands with Ukraine.”

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk offered a message of solidarity, posting on X: “Dear @ZelenskyyUa, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed encouragement, saying, “Stay strong, stay fearless. You are never alone.”

Meanwhile, in Moscow, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked the situation, writing, “For the first time, Trump told the Ukrainian clown the truth: Kyiv is pushing the world towards World War III.”

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova sarcastically remarked that it was a “miracle of restraint” that Trump and Vance didn’t eject Zelenskyy from the room sooner.

Uncertain Path Forward

The explosive White House encounter has cast uncertainty over the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations.

A senior U.S. official told Reuters that Trump has not entirely dismissed negotiations but expects Ukraine to show a willingness to engage differently. The possibility of rescheduling a joint news conference remains open, but only if progress is made.

For now, the diplomatic standoff leaves Ukraine’s future U.S. support hanging in the balance.