Trump clashes with Zelensky over Ukraine war and US support

A heated confrontation erupted between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a White House meeting, with Trump insisting that Kyiv must negotiate with Russia or risk losing American support.

The discussion, initially set to be a formal signing of a minerals agreement, quickly turned tense as the two leaders repeatedly interrupted each other in front of the media. The agreement, which aimed to strengthen security ties between Washington and Kyiv by granting U.S. access to Ukrainian oil, gas, and rare minerals, was expected to be a step toward mending strained relations. However, before the deal could be finalized, Zelensky was asked to leave.

During the exchange, Trump criticized Zelensky for not showing enough appreciation for U.S. military and political aid, warning that his stance on the war could escalate into a global conflict. Zelensky, for his part, remained firm in his belief that there should be “no compromises” with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump, however, countered that a peace deal would require Kyiv to make concessions.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow has taken control of roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory. Trump, who had recently softened his tone on Ukraine, had earlier suggested that Zelensky bore some responsibility for the ongoing war, arguing that negotiations with Russia should have begun sooner.

The atmosphere further deteriorated when U.S. Vice President JD Vance, seated alongside other officials, stressed the need to end the war through diplomatic means. Zelensky, questioning what kind of diplomacy was being suggested, referenced a 2019 ceasefire deal—signed years before Russia’s full-scale invasion, during a period when Moscow was backing separatist forces in eastern Ukraine.

Vance accused the Ukrainian leader of being confrontational and uncooperative in front of the press, further fueling tensions. Trump and Vance went on to accuse Zelensky of ingratitude, with Trump asserting that Ukraine had no right to dictate how the U.S. should feel about the conflict.

Shortly after the heated exchange, Zelensky was seen departing the White House ahead of schedule. Trump later took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to claim that Zelensky had disrespected the United States within the revered walls of the Oval Office.

“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,” the Republican president continued. “I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE.”

Zelensky later took to social media to express his gratitude, thanking both the president and the United States multiple times.

In a subsequent interview with Fox News, he acknowledged that the heated exchange “was not good” but remained optimistic that his relationship with Trump could still be repaired.

“Because the relations are more than just two presidents,” he said, adding that it was also about “strong relations between our two people.”

Reaction to the White House meeting among US politicians appeared to fall along partisan lines, with Republicans praising Trump and Democrats criticising him.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham – once a staunch supporter of Ukraine – told reporters: “What I saw in the Oval Office was disrespectful and I don’t know if we can ever do business with Zelensky again.”

He said Zelensky “either needs to resign and send somebody over that we can do business with, or he needs to change”.

Democratic House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries described Zelensky’s treatment as “appalling”, adding that it “will only serve to further embolden Vladimir Putin”.

In Ukraine, there was broadly appreciation for Zelensky holding his ground over what is, for them, an existential war.

“Trump’s administration was so arrogant,” one man in Kyiv told the BBC. “When you look at Zelensky’s face, you understand that the discussion behind the closed doors was not so polite.

“They are so rude, they don’t respect the people of Ukraine. They even don’t hide it.”

The heated Oval Office exchange sparked an outpouring of support for Zelensky from key European allies, including France.

A spokeswoman for UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer—who has positioned himself as a bridge between the US and Europe amid the Trump administration’s more isolationist stance—confirmed that Starmer had spoken to both leaders. She reiterated the Prime Minister’s “unwavering support for Ukraine” and his commitment to seeking a lasting peace.

Friedrich Merz, widely anticipated to become Germany’s next chancellor, expressed solidarity with Ukraine, stating that he stood by the country “in good and testing times” while emphasizing that “we must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.”

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed those sentiments, declaring that the day’s events underscored the need for Europe to step up as a global leader. “Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge,” she said.

Meanwhile, Russia reacted to the clash with a rare note of approval. A foreign ministry spokeswoman commended Trump and Vance for their restraint, remarking that it was a miracle they hadn’t physically confronted Zelensky.