Zelensky, Trump get into heated argument while speaking with journalists in Oval Office

President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump held a 45-minute-long press briefing in the Oval Office that ended in a heated argument about American aid to Ukraine, and the cancelling of the planned signing of the US-Ukraine mineral agreement.

In a post on Truth Social after the meeting, Trump said Zelensky "disrespected the the United States of America in the cherished Oval Office."

"He can come back when he is ready for peace," he added.

Zelensky met Trump in Washington on Feb. 28 as the two leaders were expected to sign a framework deal on Ukraine's natural resources.

But during a press conference, a scuffle began following Zelensky's answer to U.S. Vice President JD Vance's comments that Ukraine must agree to U.S. peace terms.

When Zelensky began to respond, Trump said, "You've done a lot of talking."

"From the start of the war we were alone," Zelensky said.

"If you didn't have our military equipment, this war would have been over in two weeks," Trump said.

"In three days... I heard that from (Russian President Vladimir) Putin," Zelensky responded. "Now, it's two weeks."

"Just say thank you," JD Vance jumped in. Zelensky added that he said thank you to the "American people."

In one of the videos posted online, Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova is seen shaking her head in disbelief.

"God bless you won't have a war," Zelensky said.

"You don't know that, don't tell us what we feel," Trump said.

Following a growing argument between the two, Trump said that Ukraine isn't in the position to set the terms for a future agreement.

"You are not in a good position. You don't have the right cards right now," Trump said.

"I'm not playing cards," Zelensky responded.

"You're disrespecting this country, you can't play with it," Trump then said.

“It’s going to make great television,” Trump said after the argument. The press briefing ended shortly after.

Trump shook Zelensky's hand as they stood before journalists, remaining silent as questions were shouted their way.

According to CNN, Zelensky left the White House shortly after and the planned signing of the mineral deal as well as a planned press conference were both cancelled.

Around the same time, Trump post on Truth Social:

"We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want peace. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace."

Zelensky's visit was preceded by weeks of tense negotiations as Ukraine rejected the initial two draft proposals, presenting them as one-sided obligations for Ukraine without any security commitments on Washington's side.

The long-debated agreement establishes a fund to which Ukraine will contribute 50% of proceeds from the future monetization of state-owned mineral resources, including oil, gas, and logistics infrastructure.