President Trump strongly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after a tense argument in the Oval Office on Friday. Trump accused Zelensky of showing disrespect toward the United States, creating uncertainty over financial agreements between the two nations.
The two leaders were scheduled to hold a joint press conference at 1 p.m. after signing a framework mineral agreement, which involved critical resources with economic and geopolitical significance. However, the planned event was canceled following a heated exchange between Trump, Zelensky, and Vice President JD Vance, raising questions about the future of U.S.-Ukraine economic cooperation.
Trump later posted on Truth Social, saying, “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. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy [sic] 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. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
Shortly after Trump’s statement, it was confirmed that the press conference had been canceled. Zelensky left the White House at 1:42 p.m., two hours and 20 minutes after his arrival, looking serious and displeased, leaving speculation about the impact on financial aid discussions and U.S. foreign policy.
Other members of the Trump administration supported the president’s remarks. The White House communications office shared Trump’s message with journalists, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded on X by saying, “Amen, Mr. President.”
Trump and Zelensky were expected to sign an agreement that would create a joint U.S.-Ukraine fund for rare-earth mineral extraction in Ukraine—a deal potentially worth billions in foreign investments and resource financing. Trump had been pushing for this deal for weeks, even sending Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to Kyiv to work on it, citing its importance in global trade, energy security, and economic stability.
At first, Zelensky rejected the proposal, but after extended negotiations, both countries reached a revised agreement. Zelensky traveled to Washington to finalize and sign the deal, but the last-minute dispute cast doubt on future economic collaboration and foreign investment strategies.
The meeting started on a positive note with friendly conversations and handshakes, highlighting the potential for international cooperation and financial partnerships. At one point, Trump even said about Zelensky, “I think he’s a great guy.”
However, tensions escalated when Zelensky attempted to explain Russian President Vladimir Putin’s lack of diplomacy to Vice President Vance. The discussion shifted toward economic pressures, military aid, and Ukraine’s reliance on international funding.
Vance accused Zelensky of “litigating” in front of the media and criticized him for appearing in photos with Democrats during the 2024 campaign. He also said Zelensky’s comments were “disrespectful” to the Trump administration, intensifying the debate over the United States’ financial commitments and geopolitical influence.
