Zelensky’s White House Visit Ends in Shouting Match with Trump and Vance
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's highly anticipated meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House ended in a dramatic confrontation, as the two leaders engaged in a heated shouting match over Ukraine’s war with Russia. The visit, which was intended to strengthen economic ties and solidify U.S. support for Ukraine, instead became a public display of the growing rift between Kyiv and Washington under Trump’s administration.
Zelensky had sought the meeting to ensure continued U.S. backing against Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched the invasion of Ukraine three years ago. However, the encounter took a combative turn when Trump and Vice President JD Vance openly criticized Zelensky, accusing him of being ungrateful for the military aid Ukraine has received. The exchange underscored how Trump’s leadership has shifted U.S. policy away from Kyiv and closer to Moscow, raising concerns among Ukraine’s allies.
The discussion initially focused on a proposed mineral rights deal between the U.S. and Ukraine, with Trump describing negotiations as "very hard" but "going very well." However, tensions escalated when a reporter questioned Trump about his perceived alignment with Putin. Trump denied favoring the Russian leader but accused Zelensky of harboring "tremendous hatred" for Putin, making peace negotiations more difficult.
Vance, who had been silent until that moment, then launched into an attack on Zelensky, claiming Ukraine should be more openly grateful to the U.S. and blaming former President Joe Biden for failing to prevent the war. In response, Zelensky detailed Russia’s repeated violations of ceasefire agreements, prompting Vance to scold him for challenging Trump in front of the media.
"You should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to this conflict," Vance said, echoing Russian propaganda about Ukraine’s military draft and dismissing Zelensky’s invitation to visit the front lines.
The confrontation reached its peak when Trump erupted into a lengthy, conspiracy-laden tirade, accusing Zelensky of gambling with "World War Three" and being disrespectful to the U.S. He ranted about past political grievances, including attacks on his Democratic predecessors and references to debunked claims about Hunter Biden.
Following the chaotic exchange, Zelensky cut his visit short, leaving the White House abruptly. Trump later took to Truth Social to announce the meeting’s failure, writing that Zelensky was “not ready for peace” and could return only when he was. A White House official confirmed that the mineral rights deal was not signed and stated that Zelensky was asked to leave by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.
The explosive meeting marked the most public display yet of Trump’s shifting stance on Ukraine, leaving Kyiv more vulnerable as the war with Russia continues.
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