A highly anticipated meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump ended in a dramatic confrontation at the White House on Friday, exposing deep divisions over the ongoing war with Russia.
Intended as an opportunity for Kyiv to secure continued U.S. backing against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression, the meeting quickly spiraled into a public dispute. Trump, alongside Vice President JD Vance, emphasized the need for diplomacy, while Zelenskiy countered that Putin could not be trusted in any negotiations. The disagreement underscored how the shift in Washington’s leadership has complicated Ukraine’s efforts to sustain Western support.
Trump, taking to his social media platform Truth Social after the meeting, accused Zelensky of lacking gratitude and dismissed him as unprepared for peace. “I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved,” Trump wrote. “He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
Following the tense exchange, Zelensky abruptly left the White House, abandoning a widely anticipated agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine on joint natural resource development. The breakdown of the talks also cast doubt on recent European efforts to secure U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, which are considered crucial in deterring further Russian aggression.
During their heated discussion in the Oval Office, Trump bluntly warned Zelensky that U.S. support was not guaranteed. “You’re either going to make a deal, or we’re out, and if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty,” Trump said.
Zelensky pushed back against Trump’s softer stance on Putin, insisting, “Make no compromises with a killer.” Trump responded by arguing that Putin was willing to negotiate. “You are gambling with World War Three,” he warned the Ukrainian leader.
Vance also rebuked Zelensky, stating it was “disrespectful” to press the U.S. for more support while inside the Oval Office. Trump agreed, adding, “You didn’t say thank you.” Zelenskiy, raising his voice, countered: “I said a lot of times thank you to the American people.”
The Biden administration had previously provided Ukraine with billions of dollars in military aid, but Trump has signaled a major policy shift, seeking to reduce U.S. involvement, improve relations with Russia, and recoup financial investments in Ukraine. “I hope I’m going to be remembered as a peacemaker,” Trump said.
No Security Guarantees in Resource Deal
The proposed agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine would grant American companies access to Ukraine’s mineral and energy resources but lacks explicit security commitments from Washington. Trump argued that American business investments would serve as a form of security assurance.
The deal, which remains unsigned, would allocate 50% of revenues from Ukrainian government-owned natural resource assets to a reconstruction fund managed by both nations. However, details on how the funds would be used or which assets were included—ranging from minerals to oil, gas, and port infrastructure—remain unclear. Zelensky has expressed concerns over the long-term financial implications for Ukraine.
Kyiv had hoped the deal would encourage Trump to renew U.S. military aid and potentially rally Republican support in Congress. However, the meeting’s outcome has heightened uncertainty for Ukraine, which remains dependent on foreign assistance amid mounting battlefield losses and an urgent need to replenish troops and weapons.