WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a tense White House meeting, warning him to “make a deal or we’re out.”
Trump, who has been critical of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, also accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three” by resisting peace talks with Russia.
The explosive exchange comes amid strained relations between the two leaders, with Trump pushing for an end to the conflict and Zelensky insisting that any ceasefire must come with security guarantees.
“If you could get a ceasefire right now, I’d tell you to take it so the bullets stop flying,” Trump said.
Zelensky responded that he wanted a ceasefire but with guarantees for Ukraine’s security.
Trump, unimpressed, pressed further: “People are dying, you’re running low on soldiers.”
During the meeting, Trump repeatedly reminded Zelensky of the extensive U.S. support for Ukraine, citing billions of dollars in aid.
“We gave you through this stupid president [$350 billion], we gave you military equipment… if you didn’t have our military equipment, this war would have been over in two weeks,” he said, referring to Joe Biden.
Trump also accused Zelensky of not showing enough gratitude.
Vice President J.D. Vance echoed this sentiment, challenging Zelensky: “Have you said ‘thank you’ once this entire meeting?” Zelensky responded that he had, but the tension in the room was palpable.
When the Ukrainian leader pointed out that the war’s consequences would eventually affect the U.S., Trump dismissed the warning.
“Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel,” he shot back.
Trump urged Zelensky to make concessions to Russia, saying a deal was the only way out. “You’re not winning this,” he said bluntly.
While denying alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump suggested that both sides needed to compromise.
“I’m not aligned with Putin, I’m not aligned with anybody. I’m aligned with the United States of America,” Trump said, adding that Zelensky harbored “tremendous hate” for the Russian leader, which could stand in the way of peace talks.
