US President Donald Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to leave the White House following a fiery Oval Office meeting on Friday February 28, declaring that Zelenskyy is “not ready for peace” if it involves American backing.
In a statement released after their encounter devolved into a shouting match, Trump accused Zelenskyy of disrespecting the United States and suggested a cooling-off period in bilateral discussions, casting uncertainty over U.S. support for Ukraine amid its war with Russia.
“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 said.
“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. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”