A fiery exchange unfolded this Friday in the Oval Office between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, casting doubt on the future of U.S. aid to Ukraine.

Vice President J.D. Vance was also involved in the confrontation, which centered on Zelensky’s perceived lack of gratitude for U.S. support and his alleged obstruction of a peace deal with Russia, as the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its third year. 

The tension peaked when Trump told Zelensky: “Right now, you’re not in a great position. You’ve let yourself get into a very bad spot. You don’t have the cards at the moment. With us, you start to get some cards.” Calmly, Zelensky replied: “I’m not playing cards.”

The argument escalated, with Trump warning, “You’re playing with the lives of millions of people. You’re risking World War III.” 

Vance added that Zelensky was being “disrespectful” toward his U.S. hosts, while Trump pressed that the Ukrainian president wasn’t showing enough appreciation.

The back-and-forth ended with both leaders retreating to separate areas, and Trump instructed that the Ukrainian delegation be told to leave, despite their efforts to continue discussions. 

What happened next between Trump and Zelensky?

The planned joint press conference was canceled, and Zelensky left the White House without signing a proposed agreement granting U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals.

Later, Trump posted online that his counterpart wouldn’t be welcome until he was “ready for peace,” while Zelensky thanked U.S. leaders and citizens on X: “Thank you United States, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people.” 

Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people.
Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 28, 2025

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense responded on Telegram, stating, “We have our own things to handle. Glory to Ukraine.” Russia also reacted swiftly: Kirill Dmitriev, special envoy for President Vladimir Putin, described the video of the exchange as “historic.”

Russian state media criticized Zelensky, claiming he interrupted, argued, and was rude to reporters, with one outlet stating, “Zelensky’s hysteria at the White House shocks the Rada.” 

The incident highlights the growing friction between Trump, Zelensky, and the U.S. administration, leaving the future of military, economic, and strategic support to Ukraine uncertain, even as the conflict with Russia continues to rage.