Trump accuses Zelensky of disrespect, says Ukraine ‘not ready for peace’

In a dramatic turn of events, United States President Donald Trump has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of not being ready for peace, following a heated Oval Office meeting between the two leaders on Friday.

The high-stakes discussion, aimed at exploring solutions to end the Russia-Ukraine war, quickly escalated into a shouting match, with Trump later expressing his displeasure in a social media post.

After the meeting, Trump took to social media, stating that much was learned in the intense exchange, which he claimed provided insights that could not have been gained otherwise.

“It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelensky is not ready for peace if America is involved because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations,” Trump wrote.

He further accused Zelensky of disrespecting the United States in its “cherished Oval Office”, declaring:

“He can come back when he is ready for peace.” Trump’s Warning: ‘Make a Deal or We’re Out’

During the Oval Office meeting, Trump issued a stern warning to Zelensky, insisting that Ukraine must reach a deal with the United States or risk losing support.

“Your people are very brave, but you’re either going to make a deal or we’re out, and if we’re out, you’ll fight it out,” Trump reportedly told Zelensky.

“I don’t think it’s going to be pretty, but you’ll fight it out, but you don’t have the cards.”

The tension escalated further when U.S. Vice President JD Vance suggested that Ukraine’s best path to peace was to engage in diplomacy with Russia.

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“You should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to this conflict,” Vance told Zelensky, adding that Ukraine faces serious challenges in its ongoing war effort.

Zelensky, visibly frustrated, pushed back against the suggestion, arguing that Ukraine was standing for its sovereignty and would not be pressured into negotiations under unfavorable terms.

As the discussion became increasingly tense, Trump accused Zelensky of gambling with the fate of millions and risking a global conflict.

“You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III,” Trump warned.

“And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country. Your country is in big trouble.”

When Zelensky attempted to respond, Trump cut him off, stating: “No, no. You’ve done a lot of talking. Your country is in big trouble. You’re not winning this. You have a damn good chance of coming out okay because of us.”

Ahead of the contentious meeting, Trump had already made critical remarks about Zelensky, describing him as a dictator with a shattered country.

He further accused the Ukrainian leader of being skilled only at manipulating former U.S. President Joe Biden, claiming: “Zelensky was only good at playing Biden like a fiddle.”

The Oval Office confrontation and Trump’s subsequent social media post signal increasing tensions between the United States and Ukraine, particularly regarding continued American support in the ongoing war against Russia.

The coming weeks will determine whether diplomatic efforts can repair relations between the two nations or if Trump’s administration will take steps to reduce U.S. involvement in Ukraine’s defense.