Trump and Zelensky clash, risking Ukraine's position in war with Russia (clip)

Zelensky had sought to use the Oval Office meeting to secure US backing against Russian President Vladimir Putin, who ordered the invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Instead, Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky, accusing him of disrespect and further deepening tensions. A US official said the Ukrainian leader was asked to leave.

A proposed US-Ukraine agreement to jointly develop Ukraine’s natural resources, which Kyiv and its European allies hoped would strengthen relations, was left unsigned.

European leaders quickly backed Zelensky. German chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz warned, “We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.” Zelensky also held calls with French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and EU Council President Antonio Costa.

Britain is set to host a meeting with Zelensky and European leaders on Sunday to discuss security guarantees for any future peace deal with Moscow.

Trump has lurched toward Russia since taking over as president, shocking traditional allies in Europe and beyond and leaving Ukraine increasingly vulnerable. Friday's outburst was the most public display of that shift.

The already-tense meeting blew up when Vance stressed the need for diplomacy to resolve the biggest conflict in Europe since World War Two. Zelensky, his arms folded, countered that Putin could not be trusted and noted that Vance had never visited Ukraine.

"What kind of diplomacy are you talking about, JD?" Zelensky asked after recounting failed diplomatic efforts with Russia.

"I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that's going to end the destruction of your country," Vance shot back.

Zelensky openly challenged Trump over his softer approach toward Putin, urging him to "make no compromises with a killer."

Trump, whose team said he and Vance were "standing up for Americans," quickly took to Truth Social after the meeting to accuse Zelensky of disrespecting the United States.

"I have determined that President Zelensky is not ready for Peace if America is involved," he wrote, using an alternative spelling of the leader's name. "He can come back when he is ready for Peace."

Trump later told reporters as he left the White House for a weekend at his Florida home that Zelensky needs to realize he is losing the war.

"What he's got to say is, 'I want to make peace.' He doesn’t have to stand there and say 'Putin this, Putin that,' all negative things. He’s got to say, 'I want to make peace.' I don't want to fight a war anymore," Trump said.

Zelensky, asked during an interview by Fox News if his relationship with Trump could be salvaged after Friday's eruption, said, "Yes of course" and appeared to express some regret, adding "I'm sorry for this."

The head of the Ukrainian armed forces, Oleksandr Syrsky, posted a statement on Telegram affirming that his troops stood by Zelensky and that Ukraine's strength was in its unity.

Anxious Ukrainians following from afar largely rallied around their leader but fretted about the prospects of continuing flows of US military aid that the country has relied on.

In Congress, reaction from Trump's Republican Party was mixed, while Democrats lambasted his handling of the meeting.

The Ukrainian leader conducted the meeting in his non-native English, and as it progressed he was drowned out by Trump and Vance.

"You're not in a good position. You don't have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards," Trump said.

Zelensky spoke by telephone with French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and EU Council President Antonio Costa, an official in the Ukrainian delegation in Washington told Reuters.

Britain is due to host a meeting of Europe's leaders and Zelensky on Sunday to discuss a security backstop to any peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv.

Trump has lurched toward Russia since taking over as president, shocking traditional allies in Europe and beyond and leaving Ukraine increasingly vulnerable. Friday's outburst was the most public display of that shift.

The already-tense meeting blew up when Vance stressed the need for diplomacy to resolve the biggest conflict in Europe since World War Two. Zelensky, his arms folded, countered that Putin could not be trusted and noted that Vance had never visited Ukraine.

"What kind of diplomacy are you talking about, JD?" Zelenskiy asked after recounting failed diplomatic efforts with Russia.

"I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that's going to end the destruction of your country," Vance shot back.

Zelenskiy openly challenged Trump over his softer approach toward Putin, urging him to "make no compromises with a killer."

Trump, whose team said he and Vance were "standing up for Americans," quickly took to Truth Social after the meeting to accuse Zelensky of disrespecting the United States.

"I have determined that President Zelensky is not ready for Peace if America is involved," he wrote, using an alternative spelling of the leader's name. "He can come back when he is ready for Peace."

Trump later told reporters as he left the White House for a weekend at his Florida home that Zelensky needs to realize he is losing the war.

"What he's got to say is, 'I want to make peace.' He doesn’t have to stand there and say 'Putin this, Putin that,' all negative things. He’s got to say, 'I want to make peace.' I don't want to fight a war anymore," Trump said.

Zelensky, asked during an interview by Fox News if his relationship with Trump could be salvaged after Friday's eruption, said, "Yes of course" and appeared to express some regret, adding "I'm sorry for this."

The head of the Ukrainian armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, posted a statement on Telegram affirming that his troops stood by Zelensky and that Ukraine's strength was in its unity.

Anxious Ukrainians following from afar largely rallied around their leader but fretted about the prospects of continuing flows of US military aid that the country has relied on.

In Congress, reaction from Trump's Republican Party was mixed, while Democrats lambasted his handling of the meeting.

The Ukrainian leader conducted the meeting in his non-native English, and as it progressed he was drowned out by Trump and Vance.

"You're not in a good position. You don't have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards," Trump said.

Reuters