WASHINGTON (Agencies) – A high-stakes meeting at the White House between U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Vice President J.D. Vance erupted into a heated confrontation on Friday, culminating in Zelensky being asked to leave without signing a proposed minerals agreement and holding a planned joint press conference.
The meeting, intended to finalize a deal granting the U.S. rights to Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals, quickly devolved into a shouting match. Trump accused Zelensky of ungratefulness and warned him to “make a deal or we’re out.” The U.S. president also accused the Ukrainian leader of “gambling with World War Three” by refusing to negotiate peace with Russia. Vice President Vance echoed Trump’s sentiments, chastising Zelensky for what he described as a lack of respect and gratitude for U.S. support.
Zelensky, however, stood firm, insisting that there should be “no compromises” with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He argued that any concessions would undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and embolden Moscow. The Ukrainian leader also highlighted the sacrifices his country has made since the start of the conflict, emphasizing that Kyiv has been fighting alone for much of the war.
The fallout comes amid ongoing discussions about a potential peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. Recent reports suggest that U.S. President Donald Trump has been pushing for negotiations to end the conflict, with a proposed plan that could involve Ukraine ceding some territory to Russia, the establishment of a demilitarized zone, and blocking Ukraine’s NATO membership. The plan also reportedly includes a U.S.-Ukraine trade agreement, granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s vast mineral wealth in exchange for security guarantees. However, Zelensky has strongly opposed any territorial concessions or compromises that could weaken Ukraine’s position.
Russia, on the other hand, has expressed openness to a deal that would allow the U.S. access to rare-earth minerals in Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that such an agreement could be a step toward lasting peace, though skepticism remains high in Kyiv about Moscow’s intentions.
The confrontation at the White House underscores the growing tension between the U.S. and Ukraine, with Trump signaling a potential shift in American foreign policy priorities. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as diplomatic efforts continue.