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By Mandy Taheri
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President Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post moments after a tense confrontation in the Oval Office between Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Vice President JD Vance on Thursday that Zelensky is "not ready for peace" and can return to the United States when he is.
Why It Matters
The fiery exchange between the world leaders, in which Vance and Trump often cut off Zelensky and repeatedly called him "disrespectful," is further evidence of America's shifted approach to the Russia-Ukraine war, which reached the three-year mark on Monday.
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Zelensky was a close U.S. ally under the Biden administration, but since taking office, Trump has called him a "dictator" and falsely claimed that Ukraine started the war.
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What To Know
The exchange was a striking moment of open antagonism in the Oval Office, a space typically reserved for formal diplomacy, especially among U.S. allies. Trump made clear his pressure on Zelensky to agree to a deal securing U.S. interests in Ukraine's valuable minerals and to pursue a diplomatic resolution to the war on his terms.
Vance told Zelensky: "Mr. President, with respect. I think it's disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media."
Zelensky attempted to interject, but Trump eventually raised his voice, warned: "You're gambling with the lives of millions of people.
"You're gambling with World War III, and what you're doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that's backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have."
Moments after, Trump posted on his social media platform that the leaders "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."
He said the exchange helped him determine "that President Zelensky 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." During the meeting, Trump reiterated those sentiments, telling Zelensky, "I have empowered you to be a tough guy," adding, "You don't have the cards. With us, you have the cards, but without us, you don't have the cards."
During the meeting, the two clashed in a heated exchange over a cease-fire, frequently talking over each other. Trump said of Zelensky, "Then you tell us, I don't want a ceasefire, I don't want a ceasefire, I want to go and...look if you can get a ceasefire right now, I'd tell you, you take it so the bullets stop flying and your men stop getting killed."
Zelensky tried to interject multiple times, saying, "Of course we want to stop the war, but I said to you... [ceasefire] with guarantees."
Trump concluded the post by writing: "He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace."
Following the incident, the joint press conference at the White House between the two world leaders was canceled.
In a short statement following the Oval Office exchange, Zelensky expressed his gratitude, writing on X, formerly Twitter: "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."
What People Are Saying
David Axelrod, a prominent Democratic strategist, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, following the Oval Office exchange: "I love my country with all my heart and I've never been more embarrassed for America than the spectacle I just witnessed in the Oval Office. Zelensky is fighting for the survival of his country, his people and their democracy. Trump and Vance appear to be completely aligned with Putin, the invader whose aim has been to conquer Ukraine. Zelensky should know that millions and millions of Americans still stand with him and his valiant people."
Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy chair of Russia's Security Council and the country's former president, wrote in an X post on Friday, referring to Zelensky: "The insolent pig finally got a proper slap down in the Oval Office. And@realDonaldTrump is right: The Kiev regime is "gambling with WWIII."
Kenneth Roth, the former Human Rights Watch director, wrote on X: "It is horrible seeing an American president making life-and-death decisions based on his fragile ego. Because Ukraine's President Zelensky didn't immediately kiss the "king's" ring, Trump threatens to abandon Ukraine's democracy to Putin's predation."
Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, a leading voice of the MAGA movement, on Gettr: "Told Ya Zelensky is a Punk."
Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican Representative, wrote in an X post: "On behalf of many Americans, don't thank us we THANK YOU Ukraine for your work. Eat shi**Vance." In another post he wrote, "Trump is a Russian agent. I'm sorry but F you Donald."
Republican Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, on X, formerly Twitter: "President Trump and Vice President Vance will put America First every single time. Putting Zelensky in his place while he disrespects the U.S. in the Oval Office is exactly what American leadership should look like. This is what We The People want to see!"
What Happens Next?
Zelensky left the White House without signing the minerals deal, the White House confirmed.
Earlier this week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the deal as "very close to the finish line." The deal had been expected to bolster U.S. access to valuable mineral resources in Ukraine, but the discussions ended without a final accord.
This is a developing news story and will be updated as more information is available.
Update 2/28/25, 2:30 p.m. ET: This article has been updated.
Update 2/28/25, 2 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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