Zelenskyy not ready for peace, Trump says after public spat

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disrespected the United States and is not ready for peace, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote after a tumultuous Friday meeting at the White House. Ukraine won’t settle for peace if they have the advantage of American support while negotiating with Russia, he wrote. Zelenskyy can come back when he’s ready for peace, he added.

Earlier, a livestreamed press conference devolved into the leaders talking over each other and raising their voices. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance accused Zelenskyy of disrespect and not being thankful for U.S. support. Trump and Zelenskyy had been expected to announce a deal allowing the United States to access Ukraine’s natural mineral supplies. The deal now seems to be canceled. The Trump administration has been meeting with Russia and Ukraine separately while trying to negotiate an end to their war, but Ukraine and European leaders have pushed for involvement in all peace talks.

What did Zelenskyy say afterward? Zelenskyy followed up after the meeting by thanking Trump, Congress, and the American people for their support and for allowing him to visit. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working for that, he wrote in a social media post.