President Donald Trump said Friday he wants an “immediate ceasefire” between Russia and Ukraine and warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make peace or lose American support.
The statement comes after Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Zelenskyy for being “disrespectful” in an extraordinary Oval Office meeting, then abruptly called off the signing of a minerals deal with the U.S.
In a Fox News interview, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine won’t enter peace talks with Russia until it has security guarantees against another offensive.
- White House says Zelenskyy was asked to leave: After the contentious meeting the Ukrainian leader made an effort to try to get the visit back on track, according to a White House official. National security adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio communicated to the Ukrainians that Trump wanted Zelenskyy to leave the White House immediately.
- It’s unclear what this means for the war: Hours after their Oval Office meeting, Trump said Zelenskyy did not seem like a man “that wanted to make peace” but said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched the invasion of Ukraine three years ago, is ready for a peace deal. The astonishing turn of events could scramble international affairs in Europe and around the globe.
- What national and international leaders are saying: In the U.S., Democrats responded overwhelmingly in support of Ukraine. Republicans who have supported Ukraine in the past expressed disappointment but stopped short of criticizing Trump, while those already critical of U.S. aid to Ukraine lauded the president’s strength. Leaders across Europe issued statements, the overwhelming majority of which expressed support for Zelenskyy and Ukraine.