Trump ends meeting with Zelenskyy after tense exchange

Fox News journalist and senior White House press pool reporter Jacqui Heinrich has announced that the conversation between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was abruptly cut short by Trump. 

“Trump kicked out Zelenskyy – he did not walk off on his own - rare minerals deal was not signed. The president and US officials felt disrespected by Zelenskyy’s rhetoric and demeanor – cited that he was ‘shrugging and rolling his eyes’ during the conversation,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Heinrich's message on X.

President Trump sharply criticised President Zelenskyy following a tense and fiery confrontation in the Oval Office, accusing the Ukrainian leader of "disrespecting the United States of America." The two leaders had been set to hold a joint press conference following the signing of a framework mineral agreement, but the scheduled event was abruptly canceled.

Sources familiar with the matter say the exchange escalated quickly, with Trump and Zelenskyy engaging in a shouting match, and Vice President Vance questioning whether Zelenskyy had sufficiently acknowledged US support for Ukraine. The disagreement has sparked concern among policymakers, with many wondering what impact the altercation will have on the US-Ukraine relations going forward.

By Naila Huseynova