Watch | Trump-Zelenskyy meeting ends abruptly after heated exchange: 'You’re gambling with World War III'

The official also noted that rescheduling the leaders’ canceled joint news conference during Zelensky's U.S. visit would depend on the Ukrainian side.

A scheduled joint news conference between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was abruptly canceled on Friday, following a tense and confrontational meeting in the Oval Office.

A White House official confirmed that Zelenskyy and his delegation were preparing to leave the White House after the discussions, which ended in a sharp exchange over Ukraine’s stance on negotiations with Russia.

Trump later commented on the meeting via his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, “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. 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.”

The former president also accused Zelensky of disrespecting the United States during their meeting, writing, “He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”

The final ten minutes of the nearly 45-minute engagement turned into a heated back-and-forth between Trump, Senator J.D. Vance, and Zelensky, with discussions centered on Russia’s diplomatic credibility, according to a report by CNN. Zelenskyy had urged skepticism about Moscow’s past commitments, citing its repeated violations of international agreements.

The exchange escalated when Vance told Zelenskyy, “Mr. President, with respect. I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media.”

According to CNN, Zelenskyy attempted to respond, prompting Trump to interject forcefully. Raising his voice, he warned the Ukrainian leader, “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people.”

#WATCH | Washington, DC: US President Donald Trump says, "...Don't tell us what we are going to feel. We are trying to solve a problem. Don't tell us what we're going to feel...You are in no position to dictate what we are going to feel...We are going to feel very good and very pic.twitter.com/gBnK0b5Tcy

ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2025

Trump continued, “You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that’s backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have.”

President @realDonaldTrump is the Commander-in-Chief pic.twitter.com/O91xt4bm1t Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 28, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not finalize a minerals deal on Friday, a White House official told Reuters.

While Trump has not ruled out the possibility of an agreement, a senior U.S. official stated that it would only happen once Ukraine is ready for a "constructive conversation." The official also noted that rescheduling the leaders’ canceled joint news conference during Zelenskyy's U.S. visit would depend on the Ukrainian side.