Washington: A high-stakes meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy erupted into a fiery confrontation, highlighting deep divisions over the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Sources revealed that the discussion quickly turned tense, with Trump accusing Zelenskyy of ingratitude for U.S. support, leading to a shouting match that ended with White House officials reportedly asking the Ukrainian leader to leave.
Shortly after the dramatic exchange, Zelenskyy reiterated his demands for firm security guarantees as a prerequisite for any peace agreement with Russia. In an exclusive interview with Fox News, he acknowledged U.S. contributions to Ukraine’s defense but emphasized that his country cannot settle for a ceasefire without concrete assurances to prevent future aggression.
“Nobody wants to end this war more than we do because we are the ones fighting it,” Zelenskyy stated, underlining the suffering endured by Ukrainians over the past three years. He urged Trump to stand by Kyiv in defense of Western values, unity, and security, cautioning that Russia’s past violations of peace agreements leave little room for blind trust in President Vladimir Putin’s assurances.
The meeting, initially intended to stabilize strained relations between the two leaders, instead reinforced their opposing views. Zelenskyy has dismissed claims that Ukraine is unwilling to negotiate peace, stressing that any deal must be backed by solid guarantees. He also pointed to a proposed minerals agreement—suspended following the failed talks—as a potential first step toward securing those guarantees.
Meanwhile, Trump remains steadfast in his position, expressing confidence in Putin’s willingness to end the conflict. His approach signals a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine, raising concerns about future military and financial support from Washington.
Despite the tense encounter, Zelenskyy remains hopeful that Trump will ultimately recognize the importance of standing with Ukraine. "America must remain on our side," he said. "And I believe it will."
