Trump’s anger revealed before clash with Zelenskyy, reports say
Photo: Trump was angry even before the argument with Zelenskyy in the White House (GettyImages)
US President Donald Trump interrupted his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following a heated exchange in the Oval Office. The visit ended without the signing of an agreement on the supply of minerals, Axios informs.
US President Donald Trump refused to meet with Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a tense exchange in the Oval Office, telling the Ukrainian leader to leave the White House.
During President Zelensky's visit to Washington, the Ukrainian delegation had hoped to sign an agreement on the supply of minerals, but the meeting ended without any agreements being made.
Axios sources also report that Trump was displeased with Zelenskyy's appearance. The American president's team had requested in advance that the Ukrainian leader refrain from wearing military attire. Zelenskyy arrived at the White House in black clothing with national symbols but without an official suit.
According to sources, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz told Zelenskyy that he should leave the White House.
Later, Trump stated on Truth Social that Zelenskyy had "disrespected the United States" and would only be allowed back when he was ready to discuss peace negotiations.
Cause of the conflict
The disagreement arose after US Vice President Jay D. Vance stated that diplomacy with Russia was the only path to resolving the conflict.
Zelenskyy responded by accusing Russia of not fulfilling previous agreements, which upset Trump. The US president accused the Ukrainian leader of "gambling with World War III."
After the incident, America's allies in Ukraine expressed their support for Zelenskyy, while Democrats in Congress condemned Trump's behavior. However, Trump's team placed the blame on the Ukrainian leader.
Trump’s refusal to continue support could significantly affect Ukraine, especially with the uncertainty surrounding military aid supplies. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham stated that relations between Washington and Kyiv could now change.
Both sides have differing views: the US believes Kyiv delayed signing the minerals agreement, while Ukraine believes Washington attempted to impose an unfavorable deal.
Leaving the White House, Zelenskyy canceled two planned public events and stated that Ukraine seeks a fair peace.
Conversation between Zelenskyy and Trump
As a reminder, on February 28, during an official visit to Washington, President Zelenskyy met with US leader Donald Trump at the White House. During the talks, a dispute arose over the prospects of signing a peace agreement and ending the war.
Trump stated that Ukraine would not be able to win, emphasizing the lack of personnel in the Ukrainian army and urging Kyiv to stop the fighting. He also made it clear that the supply of American weapons could be reduced if no peace agreement was reached.
