A high-stakes meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House ended in a dramatic clash, further straining relations between Kyiv and its key wartime ally.
Zelenskiy, seeking to solidify U.S. support against Russian aggression, instead faced sharp criticism from Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who accused him of showing disrespect. The heated exchange concluded with Zelenskiy being asked to leave, a U.S. official confirmed on Friday.
The fallout left a crucial minerals agreement between the two nations unsigned, dashing Kyiv’s hopes of securing Trump’s backing and winning over skeptical Republicans in Congress.
Diplomatic Rift Deepens
European leaders swiftly defended Zelenskiy. German chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz warned, “We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.” Meanwhile, Zelenskiy held urgent talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and EU Council President Antonio Costa. Britain is set to host a meeting with European leaders and Zelenskiy on Sunday to discuss security assurances for Ukraine.
The tensions flared when Vance called for a diplomatic resolution to the war, prompting Zelenskiy to challenge him directly:
“What kind of diplomacy are you talking about, JD?” Zelenskiy asked, arms folded.
“I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country,” Vance retorted.
Zelenskiy also confronted Trump over his softened stance on Putin, urging him to “make no compromises with a killer.” Trump, in turn, accused Zelenskiy of disrespecting the U.S. and later posted on Truth Social:
“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.”
Trump later told reporters that Zelenskiy must accept reality:
“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.’”
Shift in U.S. Policy on Ukraine
The Biden administration had provided Ukraine with billions in military aid, but Trump has signaled a stark shift, prioritizing diplomatic talks with Russia and warning of a potential withdrawal of U.S. support.
“You’re either going to make a deal, or we’re out. If we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty,” Trump warned Zelenskiy.
Vance also accused Zelenskiy of failing to express gratitude, to which the Ukrainian leader, raising his voice, responded: “I said a lot of times thank you to the American people.”
Ukraine’s Position Worsens
Ukraine, which has expanded its domestic defense production but still relies on foreign military aid, now faces mounting pressure. While it repelled Russia’s initial invasion and reclaimed lost ground in 2022, Russian forces have been advancing since Ukraine’s failed counteroffensive in 2023.
The diplomatic rupture jeopardizes European efforts to secure U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine and raises concerns about the future of Western military support.
With Trump pushing for a quick resolution and closer ties with Russia, Zelenskiy’s battle for continued U.S. assistance faces an uncertain future.
