**US Secretary of State Criticizes Ukrainian President**
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken out against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after their meeting with US President Donald Trump turned sour.
Rubio described the meeting as a “fiasco” and said that Zelensky should apologize for his behavior. He argued that Zelensky’s approach made negotiations more difficult, saying there was no need to become antagonistic.
**Meeting Falls Apart**
The meeting between Trump, Zelensky, and US Vice President JD Vance quickly fell apart. The two leaders got into a heated argument while speaking with journalists in the Oval Office. The original intention of the meeting was to discuss US support for Ukraine and potential pathways to peace.
Rubio suggested that Zelensky’s combative stance raised doubts about his willingness to negotiate, saying “maybe Zelensky doesn’t want a peace deal”. He added that achieving a peace agreement would be complex but argued that Zelensky needed to engage more constructively rather than resist diplomatic efforts.
**Ukrainian President Stands Firm**
Zelensky has taken a firm stance on peace, refusing to accept what experts have called a “capitulatory deal” that could give Russia an advantage. He emphasized that Ukraine is ready for peace but needs to be in a good position first.
Despite the tension, world leaders have expressed support for Zelensky and Ukraine, emphasizing the need to continue assistance and resist Russian aggression.
**Tension Escalates**
The incident came at a time when European leaders were pressing Washington to take a more active role in negotiations. Rubio defended Trump’s approach, saying the president had made it clear that Zelensky would be welcome back when he was “ready to make peace”.
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