Trump, Vance Drop Hammer on Zelenskyy, Zelenskyy Leaves White House Unexpectedly

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy parachuted into the White House, wearing his fatigues, to meet with President Donald Trump Friday. Zelenskyy, however, quickly wore out his welcome.

A tense exchange between Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office before a private meeting ended in Zelenskyy’s premature departure. Zelenskyy’s departure meant the mineral rights deal, the main reason for Zelenskyy’s visit, was not signed. The pair planned to sign the document in a now-canceled East Room joint press conference. 

A source familiar with the talks told The Daily Signal that the acrimony was “completely unexpected” and unplanned.

Trump announced the breakdown on Truth Social:

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. 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.

Before the meeting went south, Trump described the minerals deal as “a very fair deal,” and “a big commitment from the United States,” during their time in the Oval Office. Zelenskyy also said the minerals deal was a good starting place.

Talks fell apart, however, when Zelenskyy grew indignant about security guarantees from the United States. The Ukrainian president said “there must be security guarantees,” and added that Ukraine “will never accept just ceasefire.”

Trump, however, told members of the media that “I feel like I do have an obligation to stop the killing,” but would not discuss security guarantees. Previously, Trump pressed European leaders to take up the burden for Ukrainian security moving forward.

Things soured about 40 minutes into the open bilateral meeting, when Vance supported Trump’s efforts at “diplomacy.”

“The path to peace and the path to prosperity is maybe engaging in diplomacy,” Vance said, comparing Trump’s approach to the “pathway of Joe Biden,” which the vice president said was “thumping our chest and pretending that” the United States’ words matter more than the United States’ actions.

Zelenskyy then challenged Vance’s conception of diplomacy, to which Vance shot back that Trump was using “the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country.” Vance added that it was was “disrespectful” for Zelenskyy “to come into the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media right now.”

Trump then dropped the hammer, telling  Zelenskyy directly, “you’re not really in good position right now.” 

“You don’t have the cards right now,” Trump added. “With us you start having cards.”

Trump told the Ukrainian president it’s a high stakes game. “You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that’s backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have.”

At the end of the tense back and forth, Trump said, “your people are very brave, but you’re either going to make a deal, or we’re out.”