A heated argument erupted in the Oval Office on Friday between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, highlighting the uncertain future of U.S. aid to Kyiv.
Trump, along with Vice President JD Vance, criticized Zelensky for not showing enough appreciation for American support. Their voices rose as they accused the Ukrainian leader of blocking a potential peace deal with Russia, even as the full-scale war entered its third year.
Following the confrontation, Trump and Zelensky went into separate rooms, and Trump ordered the Ukrainian delegation to leave, according to a White House official. Despite their protests and attempts to continue discussions, they were denied. A planned joint press conference was canceled, and Zelensky left in his black SUV without signing an agreement granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals.
Reactions from Trump and Zelensky:
Trump later posted online that Zelensky would not be welcome back until he was “ready for peace.” Meanwhile, Zelensky took a diplomatic tone in his post on X, thanking America, its leaders, and its people for their support. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry also responded on Telegram, stating, “We have our own things to do. Glory to Ukraine.”
Russian Response:
Kirill Dmitriev, a special envoy to Russian President Vladimir Putin, reacted on X by calling the exchange “historic.” Russian state media framed the incident as Zelensky being disruptive and disrespectful, with TASS accusing him of interrupting and arguing, while RIA Novosti described his behavior as “hysterical.”
Earlier in the day:
Before the meeting, Zelensky had discussions with a bipartisan U.S. Senate delegation, focusing on continued military aid, legislative matters, and security guarantees. He expressed gratitude for the strong, bipartisan American support for Ukraine.
