Before the meeting descended into heated exchanges, Trump praised the minerals deal that the two countries agreed earlier this week, and said the US would be open to continuing to send arms to Ukraine, “although hopefully not very much.”

Tempers flared after Trump and Vice President JD Vance pressed the Ukrainian leader to accept a peace deal with Russia on whatever terms the US dictates.

The Ukrainian leader warned that Moscow was unlikely to accept a lasting peace deal, and that this could strengthen the Kremlin, saying that Washington may end up feeling Russia’s influence “in the future.”

Speaking over Zelenskyy in a raised voice, Trump emphasized Kyiv’s weak negotiating position, accusing him of “gambling with World War Three.”

The US president insisted that Ukraine had to either “make a deal or we’re out, and if we’re out, you’ll fight it out,” adding that “I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.”

Vance, meanwhile, lambasted Zelenskyy as “disrespectful” for coming to Washington to “attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country,” saying he should be “thanking the president.”

It is unclear where things stand after the meeting, which played out in front of the media. As journalists left the Oval Office, Trump was asked if he would continue negotiating with Zelenskyy. “We’ll see,” Trump replied.

— Shelby Talcott contributed reporting.