Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy left the White House on Friday without signing a critical minerals deal that US President Donald Trump had advocated for, hinting at its connection to future American support for Ukraine, while Trump asserted: "He can come back when he is ready for peace."
Zelenskyy’s early departure on Friday afternoon followed a heated exchange in the Oval Office, where Trump abruptly cut talks short and reportedly accused the Ukrainian leader of being “disrespectful.” The confrontation led to the collapse of planned discussions over the critical minerals deal.
Sharing a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “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,” Trump added.
Zelenskyy was expected to finalise a major economic agreement with the US, aimed at funding Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction and strengthening long-term ties between the two nations.
The agreement, viewed as progress towards ending the three-year conflict, emphasised Ukraine's security concerns. During the initial phase of the meeting at the White House's East Room, Trump indicated the imminent signing of the agreement.
“We have something that is a very fair deal,” Trump said, adding that, “It is a big commitment from the United States.”
He expressed desire to halt the warfare, suggesting US funds should be directed towards reconstruction efforts.
The final 10 minutes of the 45-minute meeting turned confrontational between Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Zelenskyy, who expressed doubts about Russian diplomatic sincerity, citing Moscow's history of unfulfilled international commitments.