Zelensky arrived at the White House on Friday morning appearing set on signing a deal to give the U.S. an economic interest in Ukraine, which Trump argued would act as a deterrent to future Russian aggression.

All the two leaders had to do was make it through an Oval Office meeting and a joint press conference.

That proved too much, as long-simmering tensions between Trump and Zelensky exploded into the open during a heated Oval Office exchange that will have ramifications for the U.S., Russia, Ukraine and all of Europe.

Zelensky took offense to Vice President Vance’s assertion that a diplomatic solution was always the best path to bringing an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, with the Ukrainian president noting the times Russian President Vladimir Putin had broken his promises.

“What kind of diplomacy, JD, you are speaking about?” Zelensky asked. “What do you mean?”

“I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to stop the destruction of your country,” Vance fired back. “I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media…You should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to the conflict.”

Zelensky responded, saying the U.S. will “feel it in the future” if too many concessions are made to Russia.

That remark got under Trump’s skin.

“Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel,” Trump responded. “We’re trying to solve a problem because you’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel … you don’t have the cards right now … You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III. And what you're doing is very disrespectful.”

The meeting devolved from there, with Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova seen in footage inside the room burying her face in her hands.

“We have empowered you to be a tough guy,” Trump said. “You either make a deal or we are out. You don’t have the cards.”

The White House cancelled the joint press conference and Zelensky abruptly left the White House.

No deal was signed.

Trump posted on Truth Social:

“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.”

SHOCK, DISMAY IN WASHINGTON

The meltdown in U.S.-Ukraine relations was a gut punch to many in Washington, who believed the long-gestating deal would be the first crucial step in bringing an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The spat was a Rorschach test for lawmakers.

Conservatives said the breakdown confirmed their views that Zelensky’s arrogance and contempt for Trump has blinded him to the realities of his standing in the world.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) fully backed Trump and Vance, accusing Zelensky of losing his cool and torpedoing the negotiations.

"He either needs to resign and send somebody over that we can do business with, or he needs to change," Graham said.

"I don't know if we can ever do business with Zelensky again,” he added.

Democrats and some centrist Republicans viewed the exchange as evidence of Trump’s admiration for Putin and his efforts to undermine Ukraine.

“Putin must be overjoyed with today’s theatrics,” former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) posted on X.

“A bad day for America’s foreign policy," Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said. "Ukraine wants independence, free markets and rule of law. It wants to be part of the West. Russia hates us and our Western values. We should be clear that we stand........

© The Hill