Trump and Zelenskiy clash at White House, leaving Ukraine’s war efforts in limbo

WASHINGTON. A highly anticipated meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump ended in a dramatic confrontation on Friday, as the two leaders clashed in front of the media at the White House over the ongoing war with Russia.

Zelenskiy had sought the Oval Office meeting as an opportunity to strengthen ties with the United States and dissuade Trump from leaning toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, who ordered the invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Instead, tensions flared as Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskiy of showing disrespect, driving relations between Washington and Kyiv to a new low.

A U.S. official confirmed that Trump ultimately told Zelenskiy to leave the White House after the heated exchange, leaving a crucial agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. on the joint development of Ukraine’s natural resources unsigned.

A Heated Exchange

The meeting took a sharp turn when Vance emphasized the need for diplomacy to resolve the war, to which Zelenskiy, with his arms folded, responded sharply:

“What kind of diplomacy are you talking about, JD?” he asked, referencing previous failed negotiations with Russia.

Vance retorted, “I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country.”

Zelenskiy also directly confronted Trump’s stance toward Putin, urging him to “make no compromises with a killer.” Trump, visibly irritated, later took to Truth Social, posting: “I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”

Before departing for his Florida residence, Trump reinforced his belief that Ukraine must shift its approach: “What he’s got to say is, ‘I want to make peace.’ He doesn’t have to stand there and say ‘Putin this, Putin that,’ all negative things. He’s got to say, ‘I want to make peace.’”

Zelenskiy, in an interview with Fox News, expressed regret over the meeting’s outcome: “Yes, of course,” he said when asked if his relationship with Trump could be salvaged. “I’m sorry for this.”

International Reactions and Fallout

European leaders were quick to support Zelenskiy. German chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz warned, “We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.” French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and EU Council President Antonio Costa each spoke with Zelenskiy by phone to express solidarity.

Meanwhile, Britain announced plans to host a summit on Sunday to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine amid growing uncertainty over U.S. support.

The Ukrainian military, led by General Oleksandr Syrskyi, reassured the nation via Telegram: “Our strength is in our unity. We stand with our president.” However, concerns are rising among Ukrainians about the continuity of U.S. military aid, which remains essential for Kyiv’s defense against Russian forces.

Trump’s Stance and the Future of U.S.-Ukraine Relations

Trump’s hardline stance has alarmed traditional U.S. allies, as he seeks to improve relations with Russia while scaling back American support for Ukraine. The minerals deal that Kyiv had hoped would secure continued backing from Washington remains in limbo.

At the White House, Trump bluntly told Zelenskiy: “You’re not in a good position. You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards.” Zelenskiy pushed back: “I’m not playing cards, I’m very serious, Mr. President.” Trump, unimpressed, replied, “You’re playing cards. You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War Three.”

After the abrupt end to the talks, a White House official revealed that Trump directed aides to inform Zelenskiy that it was time to leave, even as staff were preparing to serve lunch.

Trump later made clear his position on Ukraine’s future: “You’re either going to make a deal, or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.”

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked the incident on Telegram, calling it a “brutal dressing down” for Zelenskiy.

Ukraine’s Battle for Support

Zelenskiy’s visit had aimed to secure additional military aid and reinforce Kyiv’s standing in Washington, but Friday’s meeting underscored the growing divide. Trump’s remarks signaled a departure from the Biden administration’s steadfast support for Ukraine, raising concerns over future U.S. assistance.

Despite Trump’s stance, Ukraine continues to rely on foreign military aid, with its forces locked in a prolonged conflict with Russia. Kyiv has made territorial gains in recent years but remains at a disadvantage against a larger adversary.

With Trump keen to reposition the U.S. as a peacemaker and reduce financial commitments to Ukraine, Zelenskiy’s efforts to secure unwavering American support face significant obstacles.

The political and military stakes remain high as Ukraine navigates an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape.