A tense meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House culminated in a dramatic confrontation, with Trump urging Ukraine to negotiate peace with Russia or face a loss of American support.
In the Oval Office exchange, Trump told Zelensky, “Make a deal or we’re out,” signaling a possible shift in U.S. policy regarding the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
Trump also accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three” and implied that Ukraine should be more appreciative of the American assistance it has received.
Zelensky, however, strongly disagreed, asserting that Ukraine “should not compromise” with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Following the heated exchange, Zelensky left the White House, without signing the minerals deal that had been a key topic of discussion.
He also did not hold the planned joint news conference with Trump and departed without speaking to the media, leaving in his motorcade.
Trump later posted on his Truth Social platform: “He can come back when he is ready for peace.”
Vice President JD Vance also questioned whether Zelensky had shown enough gratitude for U.S. support during the three-year war.
