The North News
New Delhi, March 1
In a highly charged and unprecedented exchange, U.S.-Ukraine relations plunged into turmoil as President Donald Trump lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a tense, televised Oval Office confrontation. The heated clash, likely the first of its kind between two presidents in the White House, saw Trump abruptly cut short a visit intended to discuss a peace plan. Following the combative meeting with Trump and Vice President Vance, Zelensky departed without signing the anticipated mineral-rights deal.
Following their exchange, Trump took to social media, stating that Zelensky “disrespected the United States” and was not ready for peace if America was involved. “He can come back when he is ready for Peace,” Trump wrote.
“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 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,” Trump wrote in his post on social media.
The encounter, described as unprecedented, saw Trump accuse Zelensky of failing to show gratitude for US support and attempting to leverage American involvement to his advantage in negotiations with Russia, The New York Times reported. The Financial Times further detailed how Trump warned the Ukrainian leader he was “gambling with World War Three” and issued an ultimatum: strike a peace deal or risk losing US backing.
Tensions flared even before the official talks began, with Trump raising his voice as Zelensky sought reassurances over US security guarantees. “You don’t have the cards right now,” Trump reportedly told him. “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people.” The explosive exchange leaves Ukraine’s wartime diplomacy in turmoil, with Washington’s commitment to Kyiv now more uncertain than ever.
