WASHINGTON, October 20. /TASS/. Vladimir Zelensky could have settled the conflict in Ukraine two years ago on better terms than now, US President Donald Trump said.
"We want Zelensky to make a deal. He can make a deal. He could have made a deal two years ago when we had our little chat in the Oval Office," he said. "Zelensky could have made a good deal then, could have made a much better deal than that he can make now, but he's going to have to want to make a deal."
On February 28, 2025, Zelensky arrived at the White House for a meeting with Trump. Their conversation, with reporters present, unraveled into a shouting match, with Trump scolding Zelensky for being disrespectful to the US, and Vice President JD Vance noting that Zelensky had not ever said a "thank you" for the support provided to Kiev. A news conference scheduled to follow the meeting was canceled. Later, Trump posted a statement on the Truth Social platform saying that Zelensky was disrespectful and not ready for peace. Back then, Trump warned Zelensky that Washington would withdraw its support for Kiev if the Ukrainian side did not strive for peace.