By A Correspondent

WASHINGTON, Feb 28 (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday ended in a heated confrontation, with both leaders exchanging sharp words in front of the media regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Zelensky had viewed the Oval Office meeting as an opportunity to persuade the United States to continue opposing Russian President Vladimir Putin, who initiated the invasion of Ukraine three years ago. However, the meeting quickly escalated when Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky, accusing him of being disrespectful. Vance remarked, “You should be thanking the president.” Trump joined in, telling Zelensky, “You’re gambling with World War III.” The exchange culminated with Zelensky being asked to leave, according to a U.S. official.

An agreement between Ukraine and the United States to jointly develop Ukraine’s rich natural resources, which Kyiv and its European allies had hoped would improve relations, was left unsigned and remains in limbo.

In response, European leaders quickly voiced their support for Zelensky. German chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz stated, “We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.” Zelensky also held telephone conversations with French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and EU Council President Antonio Costa, according to an official in the Ukrainian delegation in Washington.

Britain is scheduled to host a meeting of European leaders and Zelensky on Sunday to discuss a security framework for any potential peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv.