Zelensky left the White House early following Trump's accusations of disrespect.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Volodymyr Zelensky showed disrespect towards the United States in the Oval Office. Following this, the Ukrainian president left the White House prematurely.

After a meeting between the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents on Friday, February 28, at the White House, Donald Trump published a statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, accusing Volodymyr Zelensky of “unreadiness for peace.” Trump also mentioned that the Ukrainian president “showed disrespect.”

“We had a very substantive meeting at the White House. We learned a lot that could never have been understood without a conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing how emotions come through. I determined that President Zelensky is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he feels that our involvement gives him a significant advantage in negotiations. I don’t want an advantage; I want peace. He showed disrespect to the United States of America in their sacred Oval Office. He can return when he is ready for peace,” Trump’s statement reads.

The White House confirmed the cancellation of the press conference between the presidents following their talks.

Subsequently, Volodymyr Zelensky left the White House ahead of schedule. Earlier, it was reported that the presidents were supposed to hold a press conference regarding the signing of an agreement on U.S. investment in rare earth mineral extraction in Ukraine. It is currently unknown whether the countries signed the agreement.

Volodymyr Zelensky Leaves the White House Prematurely

Later, senior White House correspondent Jackie Heinrich confirmed that Ukraine and the U.S. were unable to sign the agreement on natural resources.

It is worth noting that during a conversation with the press, a dispute arose between Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump, and Vice President Pence, during which the American side stated that Ukraine “should be grateful” and sign a ceasefire agreement. In turn, Zelensky responded that “the U.S. should not dictate to Ukraine what to do.”

According to Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky's comments were “very dismissive.” The U.S. president also stated that Zelensky “is playing with the lives of millions” and “risks starting a third world war.”

Updated 21:25. Volodymyr Zelensky commented on his visit to the White House, thanking the American people for their support.

“Thank you, America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you to the President, Congress, and the American people.
Ukraine needs a just and lasting peace, and we are working for that,” the president wrote on X.

Updated 21:49. An official statement on the White House website indicates that Trump and Pence “will always advocate for the interests of the American people and those who respect the position of the United States in the world, and will never allow the American people to be taken advantage of.” The Trump administration's press service referred to a Gallup poll from October 2024, which showed that 52% of Ukrainians want an end to the war as soon as possible, and accused Volodymyr Zelensky of campaigning for the Democrats, mentioning his visit to Pennsylvania in October 2024, to which no Republican Party representatives were invited.

Updated 22:07. The planned visit of Volodymyr Zelensky to the Hudson Institute was cancelled. The Ukrainian president was supposed to visit the institute after his visit to the White House.

Updated March 1. In a conversation with reporters during a trip to Florida, Donald Trump stated that the meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky “did not go well,” Reuters reported. According to him, Zelensky “overplayed,” and the U.S. “does not want to play games.” The U.S. president also noted that the country seeks peace, not a “10-year war,” accusing the Ukrainian leader of wanting to “fight, fight, fight.” Trump emphasized that Zelensky needs to say he “wants to reconcile” to continue negotiations – in the politician's view, an immediate ceasefire can be achieved. Finally, Trump stated that Zelensky “did not look like a person who wants peace,” and also avoided responding to reporters' questions about the possibility of halting military aid to Ukraine.