During an Oval Office meeting, President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensk for taking a hardline stance against Russia|@WhiteHouse|X
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the White House ended in a tense exchange with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The visit was expected to finalize a minerals deal, but Zelensky left without signing it after a heated public talk.
During an Oval Office meeting, Trump criticized Zelensky for taking a hardline stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing it made negotiations difficult. He also accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War III”.
Trump and Vance chastised Zelensky, saying he wasn’t thankful for the aid the US has provided—which has totaled over $75 billion since 2022—and is not showing enough gratitude.
A planned lunch and a joint press conference were canceled. Zelensky left after two and a half hours.
Trump warned Ukraine that it must negotiate or risk losing US support. He added that Zelensky could return “when he is ready for peace”.