Following a tense meeting in the Oval Office between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump told Zelensky he could “come back when he is ready for peace” before having him escorted from the White House.
According to White House officials who spoke with Fox News, Ukrainian representatives were “begging to reset” after the meeting took a turn.
However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz informed them that Zelensky needed to leave immediately. Officials noted that Trump and other U.S. leaders felt disrespected by Zelensky’s demeanor, claiming he was “shrugging and rolling his eyes” during key moments of the discussion.
WH OFFICIALS TELL FOX:
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) February 28, 2025
-TRUMP KICKED OUT ZELENSKYY – HE DID NOT WALK OFF ON HIS OWN
-RARE MINERALS DEAL WAS NOT SIGNED.
– WH SAYS “UKRAINANS WERE BEGGING TO RESET” BUT RUBIO AND WALTZ INFORMED THEM ZELENSKYY NEEDS TO LEAVE WHITE HOUSE GROUNDS, RETURN WHEN HE’S READY FOR PEACE…
A working lunch that had been planned for Trump and Zelensky was canceled, with the meal instead being given to White House Press Office staffers.
Per The New York Post, Zelensky left the White House at 1:42 p.m. A scheduled joint press conference between the two leaders, set for later that afternoon, was abruptly canceled. Additionally, a significant deal on rare earth minerals that was expected to be signed on Friday was left unsigned.
Shortly after the meeting, Trump took to social media to share his perspective.
“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today,” he wrote. “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 Zelensky 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.”
During the discussion, tensions escalated when Zelensky attempted to explain Ukraine’s position in the ongoing war. Trump, however, pushed back firmly.
“Don’t tell us what we’re gonna feel,” Trump reportedly told Zelensky. “You’re in no position to dictate that.”
Trump continued by telling the Ukrainian president, “You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards.” When Zelensky insisted he was “not playing cards,” Trump responded sharply: “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III.”
🚨BREAKING: Full President Trump x JD Vance x Zelenskyy argument (MUST WATCH) pic.twitter.com/anqOJRB7Za
— Autism Capital 🧩 (@AutismCapital) February 28, 2025
The meeting, which had initially been framed as an opportunity to discuss military aid, diplomatic strategies, and future U.S.-Ukraine relations, instead ended in a dramatic and unexpected confrontation.
With Zelensky’s departure and the rare earth minerals deal left unsigned, the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations under a second Trump administration remains uncertain.
This is a developing story. Please check back for further updates.