WASHINGTON 

US President Donald Trump abruptly ended a White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Friday after a fiery exchange in the Oval Office between the leaders derailed critical talks.

"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," Trump said in a statement on Truth Social.

"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," he added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy leaves the White House after a heated exchange with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/NYpg1ZdIlr

— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) February 28, 2025

The comments came after Zelenskyy got into a heated war of words with Trump and Vice President JD Vance during an over 40-minute, who repeatedly accused the embattled Ukrainian leader of being ungrateful for Americans' support in Kyiv's war effort.

"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 said in one of several screeds as Zelenskyy sat next to him, stone-faced.

"Your people are very brave," Trump said, prompting Zelenskyy to respond: "Thank you."

"But 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, but you'll fight it out. But you don't have the cards. But once we sign that deal, you're in a much better position. But you're not acting at all thankful, and that's not a nice thing. I'll be honest. That's not a nice thing. Alright, I think we've seen enough. What do you think, huh? This is going to be great television, I'll say that," added Trump.

The highly undiplomatic war of words lasted for roughly 10 minutes as Zelenskyy sought to defend his handling of the conflict, and warned that it poses risks not just for Ukraine, but the wider international community, including the US.

"First of all, during the war, everybody has problems. Even you, but you have nice ocean, and don't feel it now. But you will feel it in the future. God bless," said Zelenskyy.

"You don't know that. Don't tell us what we're going to feel. We're trying to solve a problem. Don't tell us what we're going to feel. You're in no position to dictate what we're going to feel. We're going to feel very good. We're going to feel very good and very strong. You're right now not in a very good position. You've allowed yourself to be in a very bad position," he said. "You don't have the cards right now."

Zelenskyy retorted, saying, "We're not playing cards."

The meeting was supposed to culminate with the US and Ukraine signing an agreement to begin a joint venture on critical mineral development that Trump had sought to frame as a "backstop" way for Kyiv to gain security guarantees from the US as part of his wider peace talks with Russia. The deal now appears to be in flux, at best.

A White House spokesperson confirmed in an email to Anadolu that it was not signed.

Zelenskyy is slated to address the Hudson Institute think tank in Washington, though it is unclear if the public comments will proceed as originally planned.