Trump, Zelensky Engage in Heated Oval Office Exchange

In a dramatic Oval Office encounter, President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in a heated exchange that escalated to shouting, ultimately leading to the collapse of talks aimed at signing a critical rare earths agreement. Body language expert Judi James noted Trump's display of aggression, characterized by a raised index finger and a visibly red face, as he accused Zelensky of being 'disrespectful' and 'gambling with World War 3'. Tensions flared further after Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky, which prompted the Ukrainian leader to withdraw from the discussion, leaving him visibly upset. Analysts suggest the deterioration of the meeting stemmed from Trump’s reluctance to fully support Zelensky against Russia, which frustrated the Ukrainian leader. This confrontation marks a significant shift in US-Ukrainian relations, as the intended cooperation was overshadowed by personal conflict. The fallout saw Zelensky cancel his remaining public engagements in Washington, highlighting the seriousness of the diplomatic breakdown.