Following a tense White House confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Donald Trump launched a wave of criticism directed at the Ukrainian leader. According to NBC News, Friday’s meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy was originally set to focus on a proposed agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine regarding rare-earth minerals critical to the tech industry.
A press conference had been scheduled in anticipation of a deal, but it was abruptly canceled after Zelenskyy’s visit was cut short. Trump unloaded on Zelenskyy in a statement posted to Truth Social. “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,” Trump wrote.
“It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and 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,” Trump added. “He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
Zelenskyy responded publicly for the first time since his heated Oval Office exchange with President Donald Trump on Friday, posting on social media to express his gratitude to the United States. “Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit,” Zelenskyy posted on X. “Thank you @POTUS. Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
Zelenskyy’s post marked his first public comment since his White House meeting with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance erupted into a heated exchange, with the three leaders clashing over Ukraine’s leverage in negotiations and whether Zelenskyy had shown sufficient gratitude to the United States. A scheduled press conference on Friday was abruptly canceled following the heated exchange, and Zelenskyy was seen quickly exiting the White House, stepping into a waiting vehicle, and departing.
