New York/Washington, March 1 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy abruptly left the White House on Friday after a tense Oval Office meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. The meeting escalated into a heated exchange, with Trump accusing Zelenskyy of "risking millions of lives" and warning that his actions could trigger World War III.
The fallout from the confrontation resulted in the cancellation of a critical minerals agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine, a deal that Trump had implied was essential for continued American support.
Oval Office Showdown
During the high-stakes meeting, Trump forcefully told Zelenskyy, "Let me tell you, you don’t have the cards. With us, you have the cards — but without us, you don’t have any cards." The remark underscored Trump's stance on U.S. leverage in Ukraine’s ongoing war against Russia.Vice President Vance also intervened, stating that the previous approach under President Joe Biden had been ineffective and emphasizing Trump’s diplomatic engagement instead. However, tensions escalated further when Zelenskyy referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Vance responded sharply, calling it "disrespectful" for Zelenskyy to argue his case in front of the American media.
Trump then directly warned the Ukrainian leader, “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III.”
Zelenskyy Walks Out, Press Conference Cancelled
Following the exchange, Zelenskyy left the White House without signing the minerals agreement. A joint press conference scheduled in the East Room was also called off.Shortly after departing, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the U.S. in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Thank you, America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
White House Reacts
The White House later issued a statement defending Trump and Vance, asserting that they “will always stand up for the interests of the American people and those who respect the United States’ position in the world — and will never allow the American people to be taken advantage of.”The statement also referenced a November Gallup poll, which indicated that 52% of Ukrainians supported a swift resolution to the war, even if it meant ceding some territory for peace.
Trump: Zelenskyy "Not Ready for Peace"
Following the diplomatic fallout, Trump released a statement reiterating his stance. “We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion.”He further criticized Zelenskyy, stating, “I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. 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.”
Senator Graham: "Disrespectful"
Following the White House meeting, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham weighed in, expressing strong support for Trump and Vance. “I have never been more proud of the President. I was very proud of J.D. Vance standing up for our country. We want to be helpful. What I saw in the Oval Office was disrespectful, and I don’t know if we can ever do business with Zelenskyy again,” Graham told reporters.Unresolved Diplomatic Fallout
Zelenskyy’s abrupt departure and the collapse of the minerals deal highlight the growing friction between the U.S. and Ukraine under the Trump administration. The consequences of this clash could impact future American aid to Ukraine, as well as the broader geopolitical strategy in Eastern Europe.As tensions between the two leaders remain unresolved, the question now is whether Zelenskyy and Trump can repair relations in the near future—or if this marks a turning point in U.S.-Ukraine diplomacy.
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