Zelensky Leaves White House After Heated Clash with Trump Over Ukraine Aid and Peace Talks
Trump and VP J.D. Vance Accuse Zelensky of "Disrespect" as Rare Metals Deal and Ceasefire Discussions Stall.
Watan-Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Left the White House Early After Heated Clash with Trump and VP J.D. Vance
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky left the White House earlier than expected following a tense confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance in the Oval Office.
Zelensky departed without signing the U.S.-Ukraine rare metals agreement, which Trump had pushed for.
No Agreement on Rare Metals
A White House official confirmed that Trump and Zelensky did not sign an agreement regarding rare metals on Friday. A senior U.S. official stated that Trump is open to a deal, provided that Ukraine is willing to engage in constructive discussions.
The official added that it is up to Ukraine to determine whether a new date can be set for the joint press conference, which was canceled while Zelensky remained in the U.S.
Heated Exchange
A tense verbal exchange erupted between Zelensky and Trump during their meeting, which was initially scheduled for signing the mineral wealth-sharing agreement and discussing a peace deal with Russia.
Trump reportedly told Zelensky, “You’re not acting grateful at all. That’s not a nice way to behave.”
Both Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance described Zelensky as “disrespectful” when the Ukrainian leader requested a U.S. security commitment.
Following the heated meeting, Trump took to Truth Social, stating that Zelensky “is not ready for peace if the U.S. is involved.”
Trump added:”I believe President Zelensky is unwilling to negotiate peace if the U.S. is involved because he feels our participation gives him a major advantage. I don’t want an advantage—I want peace. He disrespected the United States in the Oval Office. He can return when he is ready for peace.”
JD Vance and Trump just put Zelensky in his place. Wow. Watch this.
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) February 28, 2025
Zelensky’s Response
Zelensky later expressed gratitude to the American people despite his confrontation with Trump and Vance.
In a post on X, he wrote: “Thank you to the U.S. president, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs a just and lasting peace, and we are working towards that.”
During the meeting with Trump, Zelensky described Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “terrorist” and told Trump that neither Ukraine nor the world should offer “concessions to a murderer.”
“Even in war, there are rules,” he added.
Although Zelensky gave a thumbs-up as he arrived at the White House, he did not speak to reporters.
Unfinished Economic Deal
Zelensky’s delegation had been expected to sign a historic economic agreement with the U.S. aimed at financing Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. This deal would have strengthened ties between the two nations for years to come.
While the agreement signaled the importance of Ukraine’s security, it was left as part of a separate deal that has yet to be finalized.
Earlier, during their meeting in the Oval Office, Trump had stated that the agreement would be signed soon in the White House’s East Room.
“We have a very fair deal,” Trump said, adding, “It’s a major commitment from the United States.”
Trump emphasized that the U.S. wanted to see an end to the bloodshed in Ukraine, noting that American financial aid should be used for “various purposes, including reconstruction.”
During his reception of Zelensky, Trump praised “a very fair agreement” regarding Ukraine’s mineral resources and stated that a ceasefire with Russia is “relatively close.”
