Trump, Zelensky press conference canceled after contentious Oval Office exchange

The press conference was supposed to happen at 1 p.m. EST.

Published: February 28, 2025 1:47pm

Updated: February 28, 2025 2:16pm

A scheduled post-White House press conference Friday with President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was abruptly canceled after a tense, televised exchange between the world leaders.

The acrimony began with an exchange between Zelensky and Vice President JD Vance on why the U.S. is negotiating with Russia in an effort to end its three-year war with Ukraine. 

Then televised meeting effectively ended when Trump said Zelensky was not serious about making a peace agreement to end the war and advised him to return when he's ready.

The minerals deal that was on the table in advance of the meeting was not signed, according to the White House.

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