Trump's warning: "America will not put up with" Zelensky’s anti-peace rhetoric much longer

President Donald Trump issued a strong rebuke of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, declaring that the United States "will not put up with" his anti-peace stance for much longer.

Zelensky’s ‘Worst Statement’ on Peace Talks

Trump took to Truth Social to react after the Associated Press reported that Zelensky stated peace between Russia and Ukraine is still “very, very far away.”

"This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer!" Trump wrote, sharing a screenshot of the AP headline.

Trump then went further, accusing Zelensky of deliberately obstructing peace efforts while enjoying unwavering American support.

"It is what I was saying, this guy doesn’t want there to be Peace as long as he has America’s backing," Trump stated.

The president criticized European leaders for their reliance on U.S. assistance in Ukraine’s war efforts, referring to a recent meeting they had with Zelensky.

"Europe, in the meeting they had with Zelenskyy, 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 wrote.

Trump’s frustration with Zelensky boiled over last Friday when the Ukrainian president visited the White House. What was expected to be a productive diplomatic event, including talks of a potential mineral deal, instead unraveled in tense exchanges between Trump, Zelensky, and Vice President JD Vance. Before their scheduled private lunch, the leaders met in the Oval Office, where conversations quickly turned combative.

Zelensky, addressing Vance directly and referring to him as "JD," questioned his comments on diplomacy.

"What kind of diplomacy?" Zelensky asked.

Vance quickly responded:

"I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country." Before Vance could continue, Zelensky interrupted him, escalating the exchange.

At that point, Trump stepped in, warning Zelensky in no uncertain terms:

"You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards, but right now … you’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III."

Both Trump and Vance admonished Zelensky for his behavior, calling his attitude “disrespectful.”

Negotiations Called Off After Oval Office Clash

Following the heated exchange, Trump determined that Zelensky was not serious about peace negotiations.

As a result, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz formally ended the negotiations and instructed Zelensky to leave.

Shortly after, Trump reaffirmed his stance in a Truth Social post, declaring:

"I have determined that Zelensky is not ready for Peace if America is involved."

He added a final warning:

"He can come back when he is ready for Peace."

Trump’s sharp rhetoric marks a significant shift in U.S.-Ukraine relations, highlighting his growing impatience with Zelensky’s war strategy, suggesting that under his leadership, U.S. involvement in Ukraine’s conflict could drastically change, especially if he believes peace efforts are being actively hindered.