Video shows Ukrainian ambassador’s helpless reaction as Trump-Zelensky meeting ends in shouting match

WASHINGTON, DC: Ukrainian Ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, was visibly distressed, with head in her hand, during a heated exchange between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office on Friday, February 28.

The hand-in-the-head moment was captured in several viral photos and videos as President Trump questioned Zelensky about not wanting a ceasefire with Russia during a live White House press event, according to Fox News.

Ukrainian ambassador appears helpless during Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky's clash

Oksana Markarova was seen lowering her head to her right hand and closing her eyes as microphones hovered above the two presidents, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump told Zelensky during a meeting in the Oval Office on Friday, "You're saying you don't want a ceasefire. I want a ceasefire because you get a ceasefire faster than an agreement."

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian president replied, "I said to you … with guarantees. Ask our people about a ceasefire, about what they think."

Trump then paused the conversation and said, "That wasn't with me", according to Fox News.

The presidents of the two nations were supposed to sign a deal sharing Ukraine's rare earth minerals and discuss a peace deal with Russia but the conversation turned into a shouting match.

Furthermore, Vice President JD Vance also chimed in and reprimanded Zelensky for trying to "litigate" in front of the American media and called his actions "disrespectful".

The VP asked Zelensky, "Do you think that it's respectful to come into the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country."

Notably, Zelensky rejected the mineral security agreement before the meeting due to the absence of security guarantees protecting Ukraine from another Russian invasion, Fox News reported.

Notably, Markarova was the ambassador for around a year when Russia invaded Ukraine, which put the spotlight on her.

Moreover, in September 2024, House Speaker Mike Johnson wrote a letter to Zelensky asking for Markarova's firing as she allegedly organized a US taxpayer-funded tour of an American manufacturing site for Zelensky in Pennsylvania before the 2024 presidential election, per Fox News.

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky post on social media following clash

Soon after their White House clash, both Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky took their social media accounts to post their reactions.

Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, "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."

He added, "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 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."

Meanwhile, Zelensky thanked America and Trump for their support and allowing the visit.

He wrote, "Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that."