The CNN channel provided details about what transpired behind closed doors following the public altercation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, as reported by Tengrinews.kz.
According to sources from the channel, after the public portion of the meeting between Trump and Zelensky concluded, the American president, along with his advisors, retired to a separate room.
He held consultations with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and other advisors.
Following this, CNN reports, Trump ultimately decided that Zelensky "was not in a position to negotiate" and instructed Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz to convey the message that the Ukrainian president should leave.
A White House representative informed the channel that the Ukrainians objected and wanted to continue negotiations, but their request was denied. Shortly after, Zelensky departed.
The channel notes that the Ukrainian president and his team were not even offered lunch. While the prepared dishes remained on the serving tables in the hallway, the Ukrainians were given clear instructions to exit the building.
Here’s what Fox News journalist Jackie Heinrich, who is close to the White House, reported:
"I just went to the press area to find out what happened. Here’s what I was told. The president expelled Zelensky from the White House. His delegation was informed that he should go home. The president feels disrespected. Officials present in the Oval Office believe that, among other things, Zelensky's body language raised questions, such as him shrugging and rolling his eyes.
This was seen as an act of ingratitude and disrespect on his part. The president decided that Zelensky is not ready for peace and should return when he is. Right now, he is not ready, and thus Zelensky was told: 'Leave!'. The lunch they had planned was taken to the hallway, and the press staff will now eat it. It's incredible what happened here."
Recall that Zelensky left the White House early on Friday after a public dispute with Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Trump accused the Ukrainian president of disrespecting the U.S. and stated that he "is not ready for peace."
