Editor's observe: This story has been up to date with the most recent particulars.
U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned on Feb. 28, after assembly with President Volodymyr Zelensky on the White Home, that Zelensky "just isn’t prepared for peace."
"He disrespected america of America in its cherished Oval Workplace. He can come again when he’s prepared for peace," Trump posted on Reality Social shortly after the assembly.
Zelensky has since left the White Home, in keeping with Reuters.
Trump mentioned his assembly with Zelensky on the White Home was significant and revealed issues that "may by no means be understood with out dialog beneath such fireplace and strain."
He additionally claimed that Zelensky was "not prepared for peace if America is concerned" as a result of he believed U.S. assist gave him a bonus in negotiations.
"I don't need benefit, I need peace," Trump added.
The 2 leaders held a 45-minute press briefing within the Oval Workplace, which resulted in a heated trade over American support to Ukraine and the situations of a possible peace cope with Russia.
The dispute started when Zelensky responded to U.S. Vice President JD Vance's assertion that Ukraine should settle for U.S.-proposed peace phrases.
As Zelensky tried to make his case, Trump interrupted: "You've executed plenty of speaking."
Zelensky pushed again, saying, "From the beginning of the conflict, we have been alone."
Trump countered: "In the event you didn't have our navy gear, this conflict would have been over in two weeks."
Zelensky's go to was preceded by weeks of tense negotiations as Ukraine rejected the preliminary two draft proposals, presenting them as one-sided obligations for Ukraine with none safety commitments on Washington's aspect.
The long-debated settlement establishes a fund to which Ukraine will contribute 50% of proceeds from the longer term monetization of state-owned mineral assets, together with oil, fuel, and logistics infrastructure.
Zelensky's reluctance to pen the preliminary draft, introduced to him by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Kyiv on Feb. 12, prompted Trump to publicly lash out towards the Ukrainian president.
Final week, Trump denounced Ukraine's head of state as a "dictator," accusing him of refusing to carry elections whereas echoing the Kremlin's false narratives about Zelensky's illegitimacy.
The Kyiv IndependentOleksiy Sorokin