Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in a tense exchange at the White House on Friday.
Trump, who appeared to be flustered at one point, told the Ukrainian President to make a deal with Russia “or we are out.”
The two leaders interrupted each other several times during the exchange, with Trump telling Zelensky he’s not thankful for all the military support he has received from the U.S. and is “gambling with World War Three.”
The U.S. President also suggested that the war between Ukraine and Russia would have been over in two weeks had it not been for assistance from America.
Zelensky claimed there should be “no compromises” with Russia and Vladimir Putin, but Trump said some Ukraine would have to concede certain things in order to reach a deal.
Exchange Between Donald Trump & Volodymyr Zelensky Scuppered Plans For Minerals Deal
Friday’s meeting was set up for a minerals deal between the two parties, but that did not occur as an argument would start after U.S. Vice President JD Vance told Zelensky that the war needed to be ended through diplomacy.
“What kind of diplomacy?” the Ukraine President asked, before Trump went on to berate him for being ungrateful.
Zelensky was seen leaving the White House well ahead of schedule, with reports claiming he was kicked out.
Trump has since taken to his Truth Social platform to address the matter.
“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,” he wrote.
“It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined 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.”
Trump let Zelensky know he “can come back when he is ready for peace.”
