President Donald Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ended in turmoil on Friday, as a tense exchange derailed a planned signing of a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal.
Zelenskyy ultimately left the White House early, and both leaders publicly acknowledged the discord that overshadowed hopes for a smooth agreement.
The meeting was initially arranged to finalize a partnership granting the United States access to Ukraine’s substantial natural resources.
The arrangement was also meant to bolster Ukraine’s economy in the wake of its ongoing war with Russia, which began in 2022.
President Trump has repeatedly expressed his intention to reach a peace accord between Ukraine and Russia. He suggested that a compromise could end the conflict quickly and save American taxpayer money.
The United States has already allocated over $174 billion toward Ukraine’s defense and humanitarian needs. Yet, Zelenskyy remained adamant that any natural resources deal must include additional U.S. security guarantees to protect Ukraine from further Russian aggression.
Heated Oval Office Exchange
From the moment President Trump and President Zelenskyy sat down in front of reporters, the conversation took on a confrontational tone.
Trump (acknowledging friction): “We had a little negotiation spat, but that worked out great.”
Trump’s conciliatory beginning quickly gave way to disagreements about peace negotiations with Russia and whether Ukraine would need to make compromises. Zelenskyy insisted he would not give ground.
Zelenskyy: “We can’t just speak about cease-fire and speak and speak. It will not work. … [Russian President Vladimir Putin] is a killer and terrorist.”
Trump then reiterated his view that successful diplomacy requires give-and-take:
Trump: “I think you’re going to have to always make compromises. You can’t do any deals without compromises, so certainly he’s going to have to make some compromises, but hopefully they won’t be as big as some people think.”
Zelenskyy rejected that notion, stating past attempts at negotiation had failed and that Russia should bear the costs of its aggression:
Zelenskyy: “He who began the war should pay for the damages.”
Vice President JD Vance stepped in to defend the Trump administration’s push for diplomacy:
Vance: “I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country. Mr. President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media.”
Zelenskyy countered by questioning the efficacy of U.S.-led diplomacy:
Zelenskyy: “What kind of diplomacy, JD, you are speaking about? … [Russia] never lived up to the terms of past agreements.”
As reporters continued pressing the leaders, Zelenskyy reminded Americans that the war might eventually impact them, to which Trump bluntly replied:
Trump: “You don’t know that. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. We’re trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel.”
In one of the more dramatic moments, Trump accused Zelenskyy of “playing cards” and risking a broader conflict:
Trump: “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III.”
Accusations of ‘Disrespecting’ the United States
Accusations of ‘Disrespecting’ the United States
As the confrontation escalated, Trump declared Zelenskyy “is not ready for Peace if America is involved.” Trump later posted on his Truth Social platform:
“I don’t want advantage, I want peace. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
Zelenskyy departed soon after, prompting the cancellation of a joint press conference.
The minerals deal remained unsigned, and Trump warned that if Zelenskyy would not compromise, U.S. support could be withdrawn: “You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out. … If we’re out, you’ll fight it out.”
Administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, stood behind Trump’s decision to cut short the meeting.
White House Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also endorsed the president’s stance, cheering, “Amen, Mr. President” on social media.
Aftermath and Zelenskyy’s Response
Speaking to Fox News after leaving the White House, Zelenskyy said he remained grateful for U.S. assistance but did not apologize for the Oval Office confrontation.
The Ukrainian leader acknowledged the dustup was “bad for both sides,” yet he expressed confidence the rift could be repaired:
“It’s relations more than two presidents. It’s the historical relations, strong relations between our people. … We wanted very much to have all these strong relations … we will have it.”
Zelenskyy also reiterated the need for ongoing military support and maintained Ukraine should not be forced to concede any territory to Russia. He argued that Moscow has broken past cease-fire commitments, calling Russian President Vladimir Putin a “killer and terrorist.”
While Zelenskyy has vowed no compromises with Russia, Trump insists achieving a negotiated settlement remains the best way to prevent further bloodshed.
For now, the mineral partnership remains in limbo, and the public confrontation underscores the challenges of a swift resolution to the Russia–Ukraine conflict. Whether Zelenskyy returns to the table under Trump’s terms—and whether a peace deal emerges—remains to be seen.