Washington (TDI): President Donald Trump said on Friday that Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy can come back to the United States when he is ready for peace.
The statement came after the two Presidents had a heated exchange of words at the Oval Office.
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, arrived in Washington on Friday, where he initially met with the bipartisan delegation of the US Senate, where he focused on the need for military assistance for Ukraine.
An important visit to the United States. In Washington, I met with a bipartisan delegation from the U.S. Senate.
Our discussions focused on the continued military assistance for Ukraine, relevant legislative initiatives, my meeting with President Trump, efforts to achieve a just… pic.twitter.com/KJcosUpygc
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 28, 2025
He also met with President Donald Trump and Vice President of the United States, JD Vance.
Tough remarks were exchanged during the meeting.
President Zelenskyy accused the US President of his tilt towards Russia, and President Trump accused him of being disrespectful.
He also criticized the Ukrainian President for dragging the war and said, “People are dying, you’re running low on soldiers.”
After the meeting, the US President stated, “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.”
Read More: Three Years of War: Ukraine Urges Continued Support
Trump further said, “He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
“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… pic.twitter.com/CtnqXBNcW3
— President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) February 28, 2025
Earlier, President Donald Trump had hinted that he would be signing the rare earth minerals agreement with President Zelenskyy.
According to the proposed deal, the Ukrainian government was to contribute 50% of the future monetization of any state-owned natural resource assets to the fund.
These funds were to be reinvested in Ukraine’s safety and security.
However, the proposed agreement did not outline any specific amount, timeline, or details about the fund’s management.
Prior to his visit to Washington, President Zelenskyy had commented that the signing of the rare earth minerals deals hinges on the assurance of “security guarantees” and the success of talks with President Trump.
The meeting, which had started smoothly at the Oval Office, soon spiraled out of control when President Zelenskyy repeatedly stressed that Russia should pay for the invasion.
President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD Vance put AMERICA FIRST. pic.twitter.com/AkAvzKpcpb
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 28, 2025
The Vice president of the United States, JD Vance, criticized the Biden Administration and said that President Trump was using diplomacy to get Russia on board.
He also asked President Zelenskyy to be thankful to President Trump and the American people and said, “Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America.”
President Trump said, “You’ve allowed yourself to be in a very bad position … You’re not in a good position. You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards.”
He further stated, “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War Three, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country, that’s backed you far more than a lot of people said they should have.”
After the heated exchange of words with President Trump, Zelenskyy left the White House without reaching an agreement to end the war.
Later, he “thanked” the people of America.
Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people.
Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 28, 2025
After the meeting, the European leaders reaffirmed their continued support for Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy thanked all the leaders for their support.
Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister of Poland said, “Dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.”
Similarly, French President, Emmanuel Macron said, “We were all right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago and to continue to do so. We are Americans, Europeans, Canadians, Japanese, and many others.”
Read More: Ukraine Peace Must Not Mean Surrender: Macron
He further said, “Thanks to all those who helped and continue. And respect to those who, since the beginning, have been fighting. Because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, for their children, and the security of Europe.”
Among the leaders who supported President Zelenskyy were the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu; the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda; the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, Evika Siliņa; the President of Czech Republic, Petr Pavel; the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre; the Federal Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz; the Prime Minister of Portugal, Luís Montenegro; and the President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
Read More: Canadian PM Visits Ukraine to Expand Cooperation
The Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau also supported President Zelenskyy.
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…
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 28, 2025
Responding to the latest developments, Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said, “Security is not just a word. It is life. It is a future without sirens, without losses, without fear for the ones we love. Without real guarantees, war will return. It always comes back where there’s a chance for another strike.”
He further stated, “We are grateful to those who stand with us. To those who understand that Ukraine is not just a point on the map. It is Minas Tirith, holding back the darkness. We deeply thank the American people for their support. It brings closer the day when war will become just a memory.”
According to a Gallup survey, conducted in November 2024, 52% of Ukrainians would like to see their country negotiate an end to the war as soon as possible.
However, the recent clash between the Ukrainian President and the US Administration, and the unbridled support of the European leaders to Ukraine indicate the continuation of the conflict, at least in the near future.
