A heated exchange erupted between President Trump, Ukrainian President Zelensky, and VP J.D. Vance in Washington, overshadowing a scheduled minerals deal. Trump accused Zelensky of "disrespecting the U.S." and canceled a press conference. The confrontation raised tensions over U.S. policy on Ukraine, casting uncertainty on future relations.
Washington, D.C. – A scheduled diplomatic meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump turned into a fiery confrontation on Friday, with Vice President J.D. Vance also joining the tense exchange. The leaders were set to finalize a minerals deal, but discussions quickly escalated into a heated debate over U.S. policy on Ukraine, ultimately leading to the cancellation of a planned press conference.
Sources present at the meeting reported that Vice President Vance accused Zelensky of being "disrespectful" for questioning the United States’ stance on military aid to Ukraine. He also pointed to Ukraine’s ongoing manpower shortages, prompting a sharp response from Zelensky, who countered that Vance had never visited the war-torn country. The Ukrainian leader further warned that any nation—including the U.S.—could one day face similar struggles.
Trump interjected forcefully, dismissing Zelensky’s warning. “You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel,” he said, accusing the Ukrainian president of recklessness. “You’re gambling with World War III,” Trump added, emphasizing that Zelensky should show more gratitude for American support.
The confrontation reached its peak when Trump, visibly frustrated, declared that Zelensky had "disrespected the United States of America" in the Oval Office. Shortly after, Trump announced on Truth Social that Zelensky "can come back when he is ready for peace."
The press conference was abruptly canceled, leaving uncertainty over the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations.
