In an explosive Oval Office meeting on Friday, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in a heated exchange over Ukraine’s war with Russia, with Trump accusing Zelenskyy of lacking gratitude and pushing for an immediate ceasefire. The confrontation, which played out in front of the media, underscored deep divisions over the path forward in the ongoing conflict, as European leaders swiftly expressed solidarity with Ukraine.
‘You Don’t Have the Cards’ – Trump Takes Zelenskyy to Task
Trump delivered a scathing rebuke to Zelenskyy, telling the visiting leader that he is “not acting thankful” for the extensive US military aid Ukraine has received.
“If you didn’t have our military equipment, this war would have been over in two weeks,” Trump declared. “You don’t have the cards. You are buried there. People are dying. You are running low on soldiers.”
Emphasising the need for a peace deal, Trump insisted that Zelenskyy must be open to negotiations rather than prolonging the war. “You are either going to make a deal or we’re out, and if we are out, you will fight it out. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty,” he said.
The confrontation grew even more intense when Trump accused Zelenskyy of gambling with millions of lives and resisting efforts to de-escalate the war. “You are gambling with World War Three,” he warned. “We are trying to solve a problem. You are in no position to dictate what we are going to feel.”
US Vice President JD Vance, who was present at the meeting, echoed Trump’s criticism, calling Zelenskyy’s remarks “disrespectful.” He argued that diplomacy, not continued fighting, was the best course for Ukraine. “You should be thanking the US President Trump,” Vance said. “It is disrespectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country.”
Zelenskyy Stands Firm, Rejects Calls for Ceasefire
Zelenskyy pushed back, emphasising Ukraine’s need for security guarantees and questioning the feasibility of negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“During 2014, nobody stopped him (Putin). He just occupied and took. He killed people,” Zelenskyy said. “In 2019, I signed a deal with him for a ceasefire. He broke the ceasefire, killed our people and did not exchange the prisoners. What kind of diplomacy are you speaking about?”
Following the tense exchange, Zelenskyy left the White House earlier than planned, cancelling a scheduled press conference and failing to sign a much-anticipated minerals agreement with the US.
European Leaders Rally Behind Ukraine
The dramatic Oval Office clash drew swift reactions from European leaders, who voiced their strong support for Ukraine.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer reaffirmed his country’s backing for Ukraine, posting on X: “The Ukrainian people have been courageously defending their country against the Russian aggressor for more than three years. We all want this war to end, at last. Russia is the aggressor and therefore Europe supports Ukraine’s efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace!”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed similar sentiments, writing: “Russia illegally and unjustifiably invaded Ukraine. For three years now, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience. Their fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all. Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and Ukrainians in achieving a just and lasting peace.”
Slovenia’s President, Natasa Pirc Musar, criticised the Oval Office confrontation, stating: “What we witnessed in the Oval Office today undermines the values and foundations of diplomacy. We stand firmly in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty.”
Meanwhile, Romania’s interim President, Ilie Bolojan, highlighted the broader security implications: “The security of Ukraine is crucial for the security of Europe. We all need to stand together to fight for our values, freedom, and peace.”
A Deal That Never Was
Amid the diplomatic tensions, the White House meeting was also expected to finalise a crucial agreement on rare earth minerals, which Ukraine possesses in abundance. The deal, which would have created a joint US-Ukraine fund to invest in extracting and exporting these resources, was left unsigned following the fiery exchange.
While Trump remained steadfast in his demand for a ceasefire, Zelenskyy later took to X to reaffirm Ukraine’s stance: “Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
As the fallout from the meeting continues, the global divide over the war in Ukraine remains stark, with the US pushing for a negotiated settlement and European allies standing firmly behind Kyiv’s resistance.
US, Russia to restore diplomatic missions
Moscow and Washington have agreed on joint measures aimed at ensuring the uninterrupted financing of diplomatic missions in both countries, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Russian and US delegations held talks in Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday.
The closed-door meeting held at the US consulate general there lasted over six hours, Xinhua news agency reported.
The Ministry said on Friday that the two sides discussed ways to resolve “numerous irritants” in bilateral relations.
“Joint steps were agreed upon to ensure the unimpeded financing of the activities of the diplomatic missions of Russia and the United States on a reciprocal basis, and to create the appropriate conditions for diplomats to perform their official duties,” it added.
The Russian delegation was led by Alexander Darchiev, director of the North Atlantic Department, while the US delegation was headed by Sonata Coulter, deputy assistant secretary of state overseeing policy toward Russia and Central Europe, it said.
“In accordance with the instructions of the Foreign Ministers, ways to overcome the numerous ‘irritants’ inherited from previous US administrations were discussed in detail,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
The two sides agreed on joint steps to ensure the unhindered financing of their diplomatic missions on a reciprocal basis and to create suitable conditions for diplomats to carry out their official duties, it added.
The Ministry also said that Russia raised the issue of its diplomatic property in the US, specifically six real estate properties that were “illegally seized” between 2016 and 2018.
Additionally, Russia proposed that the US consider restoring direct flights and stressed the need for tangible results that would help improve bilateral relations in the interests of both nations, it said.
Moscow and Washington have agreed to continue their diplomatic contacts, the statement concluded.
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