WASHINGTON, Feb 28 (Reuters) — A highly anticipated meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and former U.S. President Donald Trump exploded into a diplomatic fiasco on Friday, as tensions over the Russia-Ukraine conflict reached a public boiling point in front of a global audience at the White House.

Zelenskiy had entered the Oval Office expecting to bolster support and dissuade the U.S. from siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who spearheaded the ongoing assault on Ukraine that began three years ago.

Instead, Trump and Vice President JD Vance launched a scathing critique of Zelenskiy, accusing him of disrespect and straining one of Ukraine’s most vital wartime partnerships. According to a U.S. official, Zelenskiy was subsequently asked to leave the premises.

A proposed U.S.-Ukraine agreement focused on jointly tapping Ukraine's valuable natural resources—a project seen as key to enhancing bilateral ties—was left unsigned, casting doubt over its future.

European leaders swiftly came to Zelenskiy’s support. German chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz remarked, "We must remain clear about who the aggressor is in this tragic conflict."

Following the incident, Zelenskiy held phone conversations with French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte, and EU Council President Antonio Costa, according to a member of Ukraine’s delegation in Washington.

On Sunday, the UK is expected to host a summit between Zelenskiy and European leaders aimed at planning a framework for security guarantees in any future peace negotiations with Moscow.

Trump has notably gravitated toward a more conciliatory stance with Russia since assuming office, unsettling longtime allies and leaving Ukraine increasingly isolated. The sharp exchange on Friday epitomized this shift in policy.

The meeting unraveled when Vance emphasized the importance of diplomacy to end Europe's most intense conflict since WWII. Zelenskiy, arms crossed, rebuffed the notion, asserting that Putin had proved untrustworthy and highlighting that Vance had never set foot in Ukraine.

"What sort of diplomacy are you referring to, JD?" Zelenskiy asked after citing previous negotiation failures with Russia.

"The kind that stops your nation’s destruction," Vance retorted.

Zelenskiy directly challenged Trump’s soft line on Putin, stating plainly, "Do not make concessions to a murderer."

Later on Truth Social, Trump accused Zelenskiy of being disrespectful to the U.S. and said he was not ready for peace. “He can return when he is,” Trump posted, using an alternate spelling of the Ukrainian president’s name.

Speaking to reporters while departing the White House for Florida, Trump criticized Zelenskiy, suggesting he needs to acknowledge the unfavorable course of the war.

"He should stand up and say he’s ready for peace," Trump said. "No more of this ‘Putin this, Putin that.’ We want peace, not perpetual conflict."

In a Fox News interview, Zelenskiy was asked if relations with Trump could be mended. He responded, “Yes, of course,” and even expressed some remorse: “I'm sorry for this.”

General Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of Ukraine’s military, affirmed support for Zelenskiy in a Telegram post, emphasizing that Ukraine draws strength from its unity.

While many Ukrainians back their president, there is mounting anxiety over the uncertainty surrounding continued American military assistance, seen as essential to Ukraine’s defense.

Reaction on Capitol Hill was divided; some Republicans voiced support for Trump, while Democrats condemned his approach to the meeting.

Zelenskiy conducted the meeting in English, which is not his first language, and as discussions intensified, he was frequently shouted over by Trump and Vance.

"You're in a weak position. You need us," Trump said. "Only with us do you have leverage."

"I'm not playing games, Mr. President," Zelenskiy responded calmly. "This is life and death."

"You are playing games. You're risking lives—risking World War Three," Trump countered.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked the episode on Telegram, saying Zelenskiy had been severely reprimanded.

After the contentious talks, Trump sent two top aides to inform Zelenskiy that the meeting was over, just as lunch was being prepared for both delegations, a White House official revealed.

The Ukrainian delegation was told to exit despite their desire to continue the dialogue, the official added.

This breakdown also stalled a long-anticipated minerals agreement, which Kyiv hoped would encourage Trump to bolster support for its military and sway Republican lawmakers in favor of additional aid.

Currently, Trump has no plans to revisit the minerals deal, a senior U.S. official said Friday evening.

The clash further complicated European efforts to secure U.S. backing for future security assurances in Ukraine. While Trump opposes sending American troops, European leaders view these guarantees as essential to prevent future Russian aggression.

Instead, Trump hinted at pulling U.S. support altogether.

"You either reach a deal, or we pull out. If we pull out, you’re on your own, and it’s going to get ugly," Trump warned.

"We could sign that deal and help you—but you act ungrateful, and that’s disappointing," he added.

Trump insisted that Putin is ready to negotiate and signaled that Zelenskiy’s conduct undermined the opportunity for resolution.

Vance chimed in, criticizing Zelenskiy for using the Oval Office as a platform to argue his case. Trump agreed with the sentiment.

"You didn’t thank us," Vance said. Zelenskiy shot back, "I have thanked the American people many times."

While Zelenskiy had been a key figure in securing billions in military aid and support from the Biden administration, he now faces a starkly different U.S. posture under Trump, who seeks to quickly end the conflict, improve U.S.-Russia ties, and cut spending on Ukraine.

"I want to be remembered as a leader who brought peace," Trump declared.

Earlier in the meeting, Trump did commend Ukrainian troops for their valor and expressed a desire to divert war spending to reconstruction efforts.

Despite increasing domestic weapons production, Ukraine still depends heavily on external military aid and is grappling with troop shortages in its prolonged struggle against a stronger Russian force.

Although Ukraine pushed Russian forces back from Kyiv and regained large areas in 2022, Moscow still occupies around 20% of the country and has made incremental gains since Kyiv’s failed 2023 offensive.

Ukrainian forces have even conducted operations into Russia’s Kursk region in 2024, holding a section of land there.

The clash follows weeks of rhetorical sparring between Trump and Zelenskiy, with Trump labeling Zelenskiy a "dictator" and pressuring him to strike a minerals deal—though he has since distanced himself from that accusation.