WATCH: On-camera verbal clash between Ukraine’s Zelensky and Trump raises eyebrows

The meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Oval Office took an unusual turn, as the two heads of state engaged in a verbal spat in the presence of the media. The heated exchange quickly made headlines and flooded the internet.

The two leaders met in the Oval Office on Friday to discuss a mineral resources agreement with Ukraine. However, the confrontation led to the cancellation of their joint press conference, and the crucial agreement could not be signed.

According to a foreign news agency, President Trump told President Zelensky that Ukraine could not win the war with Russia on its own, but with the help of the US, it could exit the conflict. He added that without the military equipment provided by the US, Ukraine’s military would not have lasted more than two weeks in the war.

During the meeting, both leaders spoke in front of the media, but tensions rose as the Ukrainian president clashed with President Trump and Vice President JD Vance. President Trump criticised Zelensky for not expressing gratitude to the US for its support.

The US vice president emphasised that the Trump administration was focused on resolving the Ukrainian crisis through diplomacy, rather than making aggressive claims like the previous administration.

However, Zelensky countered by pointing out that the US had neglected Russian incursions into Ukraine and Crimea from 2014 to 2022. He also disagreed with the vice president’s emphasis on diplomacy, noting that Ukraine had already engaged diplomatically with Russia, but the Kremlin had consistently failed to respect agreements.

The situation became more heated when US Vice President JD Vance told Zelensky that he could not disrespect the US by coming to the Oval Office in such a manner.

According to reports, Zelensky asked the US for increased support against Russia, but President Trump and Vice President Vance accused him of disrespecting the US, warning that he was risking the outbreak of a third world war.

“You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people,” Trump berated Zelensky. “You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country.”

During the exchange, the Ukrainian president attempted to respond to Trump’s remarks, but the US president interrupted, telling Zelensky that he talked too much. Vice President Vance also reprimanded Zelensky, saying his words were inappropriate.

Watch tense Oval Office argument between Zelensky, Trump and Vance

Trump urged Zelensky to consider negotiating with Russia, warning that failing to do so could result in a loss of US support. “You’ll have to make compromises,” Trump said.

However, Zelensky remained firm, calling Russian President Vladimir Putin a “murderer” and refusing to entertain any compromise. He also stated that Russia had kidnapped over 30,000 Ukrainian children and citizens, emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to bringing them back.

Trump, in turn, criticised Zelensky’s behavior, threatening that if an agreement was not reached, the US would withdraw its support.

After the meeting, Trump shared a message on Truth Social, stating: “I have determined that President Zelensky 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 an advantage; I want peace.”

While Zelensky refused to apologise for his remarks, he did express gratitude for the US's support throughout the war, saying, “Thank you, POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”