U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in a tense exchange at the White House on Friday, as Trump accused Zelensky of prolonging the war with Russia and reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire.
Speaking to reporters before departing for Florida, Trump stated, “I want a ceasefire now,” emphasizing his desire to see hostilities in Ukraine end without delay.
He accused Zelensky of “overplaying his hand” and seeking a prolonged conflict, adding, “He’s looking to go on and fight, fight, fight.”
Trump also revealed that he has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin “on numerous occasions” and claimed that Putin “wants to end it” as well.
The meeting turned confrontational after Trump suggested Ukraine would need to make “compromises” in any peace deal with Russia, which has occupied large portions of Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky pushed back strongly, declaring, “There should be no compromises with a killer on our territory.”
Tensions escalated further when Vice President JD Vance joined the exchange, criticizing Zelensky’s response and calling him “disrespectful.”
The dramatic confrontation played out before both U.S. and international media, highlighting the deep divisions over the ongoing war and America’s role in it.
