WASHINGTON (AP) – A tense Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Vice President JD Vance erupted into chaos on Friday, leading Trump to call off the signing of a crucial minerals deal.
The agreement, which would have granted the U.S. greater access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, was expected to bring Kyiv closer to ending its war with Russia. Instead, a heated exchange unfolded, culminating in Zelenskyy being asked to leave the White House and a scheduled joint press conference being canceled.
“You’re Gambling with World War III”
The nearly 45-minute meeting unraveled when Zelenskyy voiced skepticism about Russia’s commitment to peace, citing Moscow’s history of broken agreements.
Trump, visibly frustrated, lashed out at the Ukrainian leader:
“You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country, which has backed you far more than a lot of people say we should have.”
Zelenskyy had hoped to secure continued U.S. support and warn against aligning too closely with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Instead, he faced an onslaught of criticism, with Trump accusing him of “hatred” toward Putin, calling it a roadblock to peace.
“You see the hatred he’s got for Putin,” Trump said. “That’s very tough for me to make a deal with that kind of hate.”
Vance also chastised Zelenskyy, telling him:
“Mr. President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media.”
As Zelenskyy tried to interject, Trump raised his voice, insisting Ukraine should show more gratitude for U.S. support.
“Again, just say thank you,” Vance added.
Deal on Hold, Future of U.S.-Ukraine Relations Uncertain
Trump later posted on his social media platform that he had determined Zelenskyy “is not ready for peace.”
“He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
It remains unclear what concessions Trump expects Zelenskyy to make to revive the minerals deal, which Trump said was essential for repaying the $180 billion in U.S. aid sent to Ukraine.
Political Fallout and International Response
The blowup drew immediate criticism from Democrats, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer accusing Trump and Vance of “doing Putin’s dirty work.”
Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham expressed doubt about future diplomacy, saying:
“I don’t know if you can ever do a deal with Zelenskyy anymore.”
European leaders rushed to reaffirm their support for Ukraine following the incident. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Zelenskyy’s resilience, posting on X:
“Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone.”
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for an immediate summit between the U.S. and European allies to unify the Western response to Russia’s aggression.
“Every division of the West makes us all weaker and favors those who would like to see the decline of our civilization.”
Zelenskyy Responds: “America Must Stand With Us”
Appearing on Fox News later that evening, Zelenskyy acknowledged that the public clash with Trump and Vance was damaging, stating:
“It’s not good for both sides.”
He also emphasized that Ukraine would not enter peace talks without security guarantees, adding:
“It’s so sensitive for our people. And they just want to hear that America is on our side, that America will stay with us. Not with Russia, with us. That’s it.”
Despite his abrupt dismissal from the White House, Zelenskyy took to social media to express appreciation for American support:
“Thank you, America. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
Uncertain Path Forward
The botched meeting leaves critical questions unanswered about the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations under Trump’s administration.
With Ukraine fighting to hold off Russian advances and U.S. foreign policy shifting, the next steps in U.S.-Ukraine diplomacy remain highly uncertain.
