Washington: US President Donald Trump has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of prolonging the Russia-Ukraine war, asserting that his administration is actively seeking peace. Trump made the comments after a tense confrontation between the two leaders during a meeting at the White House on Friday.
Addressing reporters after the heated exchange, Trump stated, “We are looking for peace… He is looking to continue fighting. We are looking to end the death.” Trump further emphasized his stance, saying, “We’re not going to keep fighting; we’re going to either get the war done or let them fight it out.”
The confrontation unfolded as Zelenskyy visited the White House to sign an economic agreement with the Trump administration, aimed at granting the US access to Ukraine’s mineral resources. However, the meeting quickly soured when Trump and Zelenskyy clashed in the Oval Office. Trump told the Ukrainian leader in a stern tone, “Either make a deal, or we are out,” adding, “You are in big trouble… you are not winning this.”
US Vice President JD Vance also voiced his displeasure, accusing Zelenskyy of being “disrespectful.” Trump escalated the rhetoric, claiming that Zelenskyy was “gambling with World War Three.”
In response, Zelenskyy fired back, asserting, “We are in our own country, and we have stayed strong all this time. We have even thanked you for it (your support).” Following the verbal spat, Zelenskyy left the Oval Office, with Trump telling him to “come back when you’re ready for peace.”
Reports indicate that no mineral deal was signed during the meeting.
Later, Trump took to social media, reflecting on the encounter: “We had a very meaningful meeting today. Much was learned that could never have been understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion,” Trump wrote. “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 an advantage, I want peace.”
Trump concluded, stating that Zelenskyy had disrespected the United States in its “cherished Oval Office” and reiterated, “He can come back when he is ready for peace.”
