US President Donald Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to leave the White House following a fiery Oval Office meeting on Friday February 28, declaring that Zelenskyy is “not ready for peace” if it involves American backing.
In a statement released after their encounter devolved into a shouting match, Trump accused Zelenskyy of disrespecting the United States and suggested a cooling-off period in bilateral discussions, casting uncertainty over U.S. support for Ukraine amid its war with Russia.
“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,” Trump said.
“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.”
The confrontation, witnessed by reporters, laid bare deep divisions between the two leaders over ending the three-year Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Trump pushed aggressively for an immediate ceasefire, urging Zelenskyy to seize the opportunity to stop the violence. “If you can get a ceasefire right now, I tell you, you take it—so the bullets stop flying and your men stop getting killed,” he said, emphasizing his goal to “save lives” and reduce U.S. financial commitments.
Zelenskyy, however, insisted that a ceasefire alone was insufficient without firm U.S. security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression.
“Of course, we want to stop the war, but I want security guarantees,” he countered, referencing Ukraine’s reliance on American support to bolster its position against Moscow.
The exchange grew heated when Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskyy of ingratitude, prompting Trump to interrupt with a barrage of criticism. “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III,” Trump shouted. “And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country.”
The meeting reached a boiling point as Zelenskyy resisted suggestions of concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he labeled a “killer.”
Trump dismissed Zelenskyy’s stance, interjecting, “Your country is in big trouble. You’re not winning this … You don’t have the cards,” and issuing an ultimatum: “You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out.” Amid the tension, Trump touted a rare earth minerals deal set to be signed later Friday as a “very fair” step forward, though Zelenskyy stressed it fell short without broader U.S. commitments.
Trump’s post-meeting statement marks a dramatic escalation in rhetoric at such a pivotal moment in the war.
The accusation of disrespect in the Oval Office appears rooted in Zelenskyy’s pushback against U.S. pressure to compromise, potentially on NATO membership or territorial losses, terms Zelensky has long rejected.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
