Trump accuses Zelenskyy of disrespect, says Ukraine not ready for peace after heated White House meeting

US President Donald Trump took to social media to deliver a scathing statement following his tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on February 28, accusing him of disrespecting the US and being unwilling to pursue peace.

“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure,” Trump wrote. “It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and 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. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE.”

Trump went further, claiming that Zelenskyy had disrespected the US during their discussions in the Oval Office. “He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace,” the president stated.

Zelenskyy left the White House following the meeting, though he has not issued a public response to Trump’s remarks. The Ukrainian leader had pressed for continued US military support and questioned how negotiations with Russia could succeed, given past ceasefire violations. However, Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance expressed skepticism over Ukraine’s strategy, with Vance at one point criticizing Zelenskyy for not showing enough gratitude for US assistance.