40 minutes ago

Live updates: Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky clash in heated meeting at White House

40 minutes ago

A meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky devolved into a shouting match at the Oval Office, with the US president berating Ukraine's leader and Vice President JD Vance questioning whether Zelensky had demonstrated enough gratitude for US support.

Democratic House of Representatives leader Hakeem Jeffries has condemned President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

He said the meeting was appalling and had embarrassed America on the world stage.

Before the blow-up, Trump said he and Zelensky would be signing a natural resources agreement.

However, a source told CNN that did not happen.

Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social and said Ukraine's president was "not ready for Peace if America is involved".

"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 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," Trump wrote said.

White House officials confirmed the Ukraine leader had left the White House early and a scheduled news conference was cancelled.

Zelensky is also due to meet with US politicians later on Saturday, but it is unclear if those meetings will take place.

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