A high-stakes meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump ended in a dramatic confrontation on Friday, marking a new low in relations between Kyiv and its most vital wartime ally. The extraordinary exchange, which unfolded before the world's media in the Oval Office, saw tensions escalate over the ongoing war in Ukraine and the United States' stance toward Russia.

Zelenskiy had viewed the meeting as a crucial opportunity to reaffirm U.S. support in Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. However, Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized the Ukrainian leader for his approach, accusing him of showing disrespect. The disagreement culminated in Zelenskiy being asked to leave the White House, according to a U.S. official.

One of the key issues left unresolved was an agreement between Ukraine and the United States to jointly develop Ukraine’s vast natural resources. The deal, seen as a potential avenue for strengthening relations, remained unsigned and in limbo.

The fallout drew immediate reactions from European leaders. German chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz emphasized that the aggressor and victim in the war must not be confused. Zelenskiy also held urgent discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and EU Council President Antonio Costa to address the deteriorating situation.

In an attempt to reaffirm support for Ukraine, Britain is set to host a meeting with European leaders and Zelenskiy on Sunday to discuss a security backstop for any potential peace agreement with Moscow.

The meeting took a hostile turn when Vance stressed the necessity of diplomacy to end the war, prompting Zelenskiy to counter that Russian President Vladimir Putin could not be trusted. The Ukrainian president, with arms folded, reminded Vance that he had never visited Ukraine. The exchange intensified when Zelenskiy questioned Vance’s stance, asking, “What kind of diplomacy are you talking about, JD?” Vance responded, “I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country.”

Trump, who has increasingly shifted U.S. policy toward a more conciliatory approach with Russia, openly clashed with Zelenskiy, urging him to avoid “negative” comments about Putin and instead focus on making peace. Following the meeting, Trump took to Truth Social, declaring that Zelenskiy was “not ready for Peace if America is involved” and adding that the Ukrainian leader could return “when he is ready for Peace.”

Speaking to reporters before departing for his Florida residence, Trump reiterated his belief that Zelenskiy must change his approach. “What he’s got to say is, ‘I want to make peace.’ He doesn’t have to stand there and say ‘Putin this, Putin that,’ all negative things,” Trump said. When asked about the possibility of salvaging his relationship with Trump, Zelenskiy told Fox News, “Yes, of course,” and expressed regret over the incident, adding, “I’m sorry for this.”

Following the dramatic meeting, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi reassured his nation, stating on Telegram that Ukraine’s strength lies in its unity. Meanwhile, Ukrainians expressed concerns about the future of U.S. military aid, which the country has relied upon for its defense.

In Washington, the Republican response to the incident was divided, while Democrats criticized Trump’s handling of the situation. The meeting was further marred by interruptions, as Trump and Vance frequently drowned out Zelenskiy, dismissing his concerns. At one point, Trump told Zelenskiy, “You’re not in a good position. You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards.” To this, Zelenskiy responded, “I’m not playing cards, I’m very serious, Mr. President.” Trump shot back, “You’re playing cards. You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people, you’re gambling with World War Three.”

Adding to the controversy, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked Zelenskiy on Telegram, calling the event a “brutal dressing down.”

Shortly after the heated discussion, Trump directed aides to ask Zelenskiy and his delegation to leave, even as preparations for lunch were underway. White House officials confirmed that the Ukrainians wished to continue talks, but the order to exit was firm. The abrupt ending also left the anticipated minerals deal unsigned. A senior White House official later stated that Trump is not currently interested in revisiting the agreement.

The meeting's failure also undermined European efforts to secure U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump went further, warning that unless Ukraine agreed to a deal, U.S. support could be withdrawn. “You’re either going to make a deal, or we’re out, and if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty,” Trump told Zelenskiy.

Tensions reached a peak when Vance accused Zelenskiy of lacking gratitude for U.S. aid. “You didn’t say thank you,” Vance remarked. Zelenskiy, raising his voice, replied, “I said a lot of times thank you to the American people.”

The encounter underscored the stark contrast between Trump’s stance and that of the previous Biden administration, which had provided Ukraine with billions in military aid and strong diplomatic support. Trump, in contrast, has sought to end the war quickly, restore relations with Russia, and reclaim U.S. expenditures in Ukraine.

As the war continues, Ukraine remains heavily dependent on international support for military aid and manpower. While it has made significant progress in defense production, Russia still occupies approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, with slow advances since Ukraine’s unsuccessful counteroffensive in 2023.

Trump has also engaged in a recent war of words with Zelenskiy, at one point calling him a “dictator” before later softening his remarks. His frustrations with Zelenskiy’s reluctance to sign the minerals deal were reportedly building in the weeks leading up to the meeting.

In addition to pressuring Zelenskiy on peace negotiations, Trump has openly questioned whether Ukraine should hold elections, despite the ongoing state of martial law. While Russian officials have labeled Zelenskiy an illegitimate leader, Ukrainian law prohibits elections during wartime. Trump has also falsely claimed that Zelenskiy’s approval rating is as low as 4%, despite a recent poll placing it at 63%.

In the aftermath of the meeting, reports surfaced that Trump had instructed his team to limit direct contact with Zelenskiy’s key aide, Andriy Yermak, who previously maintained close ties with Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan.

Speaking to reporters, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who had warned Zelenskiy to focus on securing agreements, described the meeting as an “utter disaster.” He suggested that dealing with Zelenskiy moving forward would be challenging. “I don’t know if we can ever do business with Zelenskiy again,” Graham remarked.

The explosive exchange at the White House has left U.S.-Ukraine relations at a crossroads, raising questions about future aid and the trajectory of Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. As European leaders rally around Kyiv, the fallout from Friday’s meeting may shape the course of diplomacy in the months ahead.