Trump Slams Zelensky for Saying the End of the Russia-Ukraine War Is ‘Very, Very Far Away’

President Donald Trump lashed out on Monday at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following the latter's assessment that a deal to end the war with Russia "is still very, very far away."

"This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelensky, and America will not put up with it for much longer!" Trump wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform. "It is what I was saying, this guy doesn't want there to be Peace as long as he has America's backing, and Europe, in the meeting they had with Zelensky, stated flatly that they cannot do the job without the U.S.—Probably not a great statement to have been made in terms of a show of strength against Russia. What are they thinking?"​.

Trump's Monday reaction comes amid increasing tensions between the two leaders after their contentious meeting at the White House on Friday where they were expected to sign a rare earth mineral deal and discuss ongoing military support for Ukraine.

However, the meeting turned into an intense exchange, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance chastising Zelensky for what they perceived as a lack of gratitude. The mineral deal was not signed since Zelensky left the White House early after being asked to leave.

The unprecedented Oval Office meeting has since drawn widespread attention, with some Trump supporters praising him, others expressing concern, and many international leaders and Democrats criticizing the president and voicing support for Zelensky.

Zelensky met with world leaders over the weekend in the United Kingdom. European leaders have called for an immediate summit to discuss how to approach peace talks with Moscow. However, it's not clear whether European leaders will be able to bridge the gap between Kyiv and Washington.

Zelensky said late Sunday that he expects the war to continue for some time but sought to present a positive outlook on U.S.-Ukraine relations amid Friday's Oval Office meeting.

Speaking to the Associated Press before departing London, Zelensky expressed confidence in ongoing U.S. support despite tensions with Trump.

"I believe that Ukraine has a strong enough partnership with the United States of America" to ensure aid continues, he said.

The Ukrainian president had traveled to London to bolster European commitments as uncertainty over U.S. policy grows. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer led discussions with European leaders, stressing the need to strengthen European security against Russian aggression.

President Donald Trump on Truth Social on Friday: "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."

President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday: "Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that."

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X on Saturday: "Being a peacemaker is not a bad thing. We should be applauding and supporting @POTUS's efforts to bring about peace."

Germany's likely next leader, Friedrich Merz, said, per the AP: "My assessment is that it wasn't a spontaneous reaction to interventions by Zelensky, but apparently an induced escalation in this meeting in the Oval Office."

Russian MP Vyachislav Nikonov said: "This construction of the entire Western system is now crashing like a house of cards, and it is very curious to watch this."

Following Trump's lead, White House officials and Republicans in Congress have gone on news shows to demand Zelensky display more gratitude for U.S. support and an openness to potential war-ending concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Some suggested Zelensky should consider resigning even as Ukrainians rally around him.