Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was reportedly removed from the White House on Friday following a heated meeting with President Donald Trump. The meeting, initially intended to discuss Zelensky’s rare earth mineral rights proposal, quickly unraveled, leading to the cancellation of a planned joint press conference.
“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,” Zelensky said.
Zelensky’s visit got off to a rocky start when he arrived at the White House wearing a casual sweatshirt and black pants, a move seen as a sign of disrespect for a high-level diplomatic meeting. His interactions with President Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office quickly turned tense, as Zelensky attempted to assert control over the negotiations.
Witnesses described the meeting as explosive, with Trump and Vance firmly pushing back against Zelensky’s demands. Zelensky, at one point, reportedly crossed his arms and attempted to lecture the U.S. leaders, which did not sit well with the administration.
“Do you think that it’s respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country?” Vance said.
President Trump jumped in as Zelensky got snarky with Vance.
“You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards … You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people! You’re gambling with World War III!” Trump said.
