The reaction of the Ukrainian ambassador to the US during the heated exchange between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Oval Office on February 28 is spreading on social media.
When the controversy broke out, Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova bowed his head, put his right hand up to hug his head and closed his eyes.
The moment was captured in several photos and videos circulating about the talks between Trump and Zelensky at an event attended by the press at the White House.
Sources close to President Zelensky's side told Fox News that tensions had risen ahead of the meeting.
Mr Zelensky had rejected a mineral security deal before the meeting because there were no security guarantees to protect Ukraine from another attack. The Ukrainian president stressed that he needed those guarantees to sign a mineral deal.
Zelensky's refusal to reach a deal has angered Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Just a few minutes after the reporters asked the first question, fierce disagreements broke out.
According to Fox News, reporters watched the meeting in amazement as the meeting suddenly stopped and President Zelensky left the White House.
A few minutes later, President Trump posted on Truth Social: "Chairman Zelensky is not ready for peace when the US attends because he feels it gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don't want an advantage, I want peace."
President Zelensky later posted on X, thanking the US and President Trump for their support and facilitation for the visit. "Ukraine needs a fair and long-term peace, and we are working our best for that," he wrote.
