The plan for Friday was for President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to sign the announced minerals deal, followed by a joint press conference. However, after an extraordinarily tense exchange in the Oval Office between the two and Vice President JD Vance, the deal remains unsigned, and Trump has announced via Truth Social that Zelensky is headed home. 

NEW STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP ON HIS MEETING WITH ZELENSKY: pic.twitter.com/Ge3KmodYMV

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) February 28, 2025

A Statement from President Donald J. Trump

“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 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.”

Zelensky Attempts Oval Office Grandstanding; Finds Out Trump and Vance Don't Play That Game

As noted, the press conference, which was originally set for 1:00 p.m. Eastern. However, after the very raw and tense moments in the Oval Office, Trump called it and encouraged the press to leave. The question then became whether or not the deal would be signed and the press conference would proceed. 

Per Semafor White House correspondent Shelby Talcott, the minerals deal was not signed. 

I’m told minerals deal was NOT signed

— Shelby Talcott (@ShelbyTalcott) February 28, 2025

Additionally, Zelensky's motorcade reportedly has pulled up to the White House, and he was just seen leaving the White House. 

Trump appears to have kicked Zelensky out of the White House. His motorcade is pulling up to West Wing now.

— Philip Melanchthon Wegmann (@PhilipWegmann) February 28, 2025

Per Fox News' Jacqui Heinrich, the Ukrainian delegation was begging to continue discussions, but Trump was not having it.