In a tense meeting at the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump clashed over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Zelensky, who had traveled to the United States to sign a minerals deal, was confronted with the news that the formal agreement would be delayed for now. The meeting turned heated, with both sides engaging in a shouting match.
Zelensky strongly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, asserting that he could not be trusted, referencing Putin’s broken promise not to invade Ukraine after the 2014 attack. He pointed out that European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, were present when Putin made the assurances.
Trump, however, responded by acknowledging Zelensky’s hatred for Putin but warned that such emotions would complicate negotiations. He argued that Zelensky’s current stance would make a deal difficult and emphasized that Zelensky did not hold the upper hand in the negotiations. Trump further clarified that his allegiance was not with any individual party, but rather with the interests of the United States, Europe, and the global community.
Vice President JD Vance also took issue with Zelensky, criticizing him for not thanking the U.S. for its diplomatic efforts and support, which Vance argued was crucial in preventing further destruction of Ukraine. He expressed frustration that Zelensky appeared to be engaging in a public dispute during the meeting, especially in front of the American media.
Zelensky, in his defense, acknowledged that war brings challenges for all sides, and reminded Vance that while the U.S. might be safe now, the impacts of the conflict could eventually affect America as well. This prompted a sharp retort from Trump, who told Zelensky not to dictate what the U.S. would “feel,” insisting that the focus should be on solving the problem at hand. The meeting ended with tensions still high, leaving the future of the minerals deal uncertain.
