'Zelenskyy not ready for peace:' Trump blasts Ukraine president following White House clash

Following his heated exchange with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, US President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to accuse him of disrespecting the US at the “cherished Oval office”.

“I want PEACE,” Trump declared, adding, “Zelenskyy was not ready for peace if US was involved”.

Here is what Trump wrote in his post:

“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.”

Earlier, Trump had a fiery exchange with Zelenskyy at the White House, during which the US president accused him of gambling with World War III”.

Vice President JD Vance too joined in and accused the visiting president of “litigating in front of the American media” and making disrespectful comments.

More from World

Trump administration considering halting all military aid to Ukraine following White House clash: Report Zelenskyy's chief of staff, US NSA Waltz hold phone call, agree to further talks

But as Zelenskyy tried to respond, Trump exploded:

“Don’t tell us what we’re gonna feel. You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel … You’ve allowed yourself to be in a very bad position … You don’t have the cards right now with us.”

Trump told Zelenskyy that American support had allowed him to become a “tough guy”.

“The problem is, I’ve empowered you to be a tough guy, and I don’t think you’d be a tough guy without the United States,” Trump told Zelenskyy directly.

Impact Shorts

View All

Trump’s Munir outreach, India tariffs aren’t strategy — it’s about a Nobel: Ex-NSA John Bolton

Trump takes over DC police to fight crime. But critics say he’s the chief offender with Jan 6 rap sheet

“And your people are very brave. But you’re either going to make a deal or we are out and if we’re out, you’ll fight it out,” Trump said while referring to the proposed mineral deal with Ukraine.

Zelenskyy’s visit cut short

Later, it was reported in US media that Zelenskyy’s visit was cut short and the Ukrainian leader was asked to leave the White House early.

A joint presser by both leaders was also cancelled, signalling that Trump was not at all happy with how the interaction unfolded.

The White House also confirmed that the proposed minerals deal with Ukraine was not signed during the meeting.

(With inputs from agencies)