President Donald Trump on Friday declared that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was “not ready for peace” as long as the US remained involved in negotiations to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Trump’s statement followed a dramatic Oval Office meeting, where both he and Vice President JD Vance accused Zelensky of showing disrespect, leading to a public confrontation that cast doubt on a crucial deal between Washington and Kyiv.
“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social after the meeting. “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.”
Zelensky had traveled to Washington, D.C., to finalise an agreement granting the US access to Ukraine’s critical minerals—an issue central to Trump’s continued support for the country. However, tensions escalated when Vance accused Zelensky of being disrespectful.
As the exchange became more heated, Trump, raising his voice, warned Zelensky, “You’re gambling with World War III.”
The press event derailed further when Trump was questioned about his stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin, which some critics argue is too lenient, while he recently referred to Zelensky as a “dictator.” Defending his approach, Trump said he was aligning with “both of them” in pursuit of peace. Vance added that former President Joe Biden’s confrontational stance toward Putin had only led to more conflict.
“The path to peace and the path to prosperity is maybe engaging in diplomacy,” Vance said.
Zelensky challenged him, pointing out that Putin had previously broken ceasefire agreements. “What kind of diplomacy, JD, are you speaking about?” he asked.
Vance responded sharply, “I’m talking diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country.” He then criticised Zelensky’s approach, saying, “I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media.”
Zelensky replied, “During the war, everybody has problems, even you, but you have a nice ocean and don’t feel it now. But you will feel it in the future.”
Trump interrupted, “Don’t tell us what we’re gonna feel, we’re trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us what we’re gonna feel.”
As Zelensky attempted to clarify, Trump cut him off again. “You’re in no position to dictate that. You’re in no position to dictate what we’re gonna feel,” he said, before raising his voice again.
“You don’t have the cards right now,” Trump told Zelensky. “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III. And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country.”
The fiery exchange has left uncertainty over the future of US-Ukraine relations, with no immediate clarity on whether the mineral deal will proceed.
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