'We're looking for peace, Zelenskyy wants Russia-Ukraine war to continue': Donald Trump after White House public spat

Trump said this addressing the reporters after he along with US Vice President JD Vance were engaged in a heated exchange of words with Zelenskyy at a press conference in the Oval Office here on Friday.

"We had a meeting with President Zelenskyy and it didn't work out great. From his standpoint, he very much overplayed his hand. We are looking for peace... He is looking to go on and continue fighting. We are looking to end the death," Trump said.

"We're not going to keep fighting, we're going to get the war done or let them go and see what happens, let them fight it out," he added.

What did unfold in the White House?

Zelenskyy was in the White House to sign an economic deal with the Trump administration giving the US an access to the minerals in Ukraine.

But minutes into the meeting at the White House, Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Zelenskyy broke into a verbal spat.

Zelenskyy left the Oval Office after an angry meeting while Trump asked him to "come back when you're ready for peace".

No mineral deal was signed, said reports.

In a loud and stern voice, President Trump told Zelenskyy that you "either make a deal or we are out".

"You are in big trouble...you are not winning this," he said.

While Vance accused Zelenskyy of being "disrespectful", Trump said he is "gambling with World War Three".

President Zelenskyy responded in equal measure, saying, "We are in our own country, and we have stayed strong all this time. We have even thanked you for it (your support)".

While Zelenskyy left the meeting after the heated exchange, Trump said the Ukraine president can come back to the White House “when he is ready for peace.”

The meeting devolved into a shouting match, according to CNN.

Later, in a social media statement, Trump said, "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 an 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," the US President said.