Zelenskyy leaves White House after fiery Oval Office exchange with Trump

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House has been cut short after he got into a heated exchange with US president Donald Trump and vice-president JD Vance.

Trump told Zelenskyy he should "be thankful," accusing Volodymyr Zelenskyy of being "disrespectful" and "gambling with World War III".

The meeting on Friday did not initially appear tense but shifted in tone when U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance told Zelenskyy that Ukraine lacked the manpower to continue fighting.

In response, the Ukrainian president remarked that Vance had not been to Ukraine to assess the situation, adding, "Come and see."

"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," Trump said in a Truth Social post Friday. "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."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted publicly after a public dispute with President Donald Trump.

"Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit," Zelenskyy posted on X.

"Thank you @POTUS. Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that."