Ukraine’s Zelensky leaves White House early after he’s berated by Trump, Vance

US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky listen to US Vice President JD Vance (R) as they meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, February 28, 2025 (SAUL LOEB / AFP)
US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky listen to US Vice President JD Vance (R) as they meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, February 28, 2025 (SAUL LOEB / AFP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is leaving the White House early after a contentious Oval Office meeting with US President Donald Trump, a White House official says.

The announcement comes after Trump and US Vice President JD Vance berated the Ukrainian president.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump repeats that Zelensky was “disrespectful.”

“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,” Trump writes. “I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE.”

“He can come back when he is ready for Peace,” he adds.

Zelensky had been scheduled to have lunch with Trump and both leaders were going to sign a minerals deal during a joint news conference.

Instead, Zelensky’s armored SUV abruptly pulled up to the door of the West Wing moments after Trump’s post.

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