On Friday, President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C.
According to available reports, discussions regarding a potential agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine aimed at ending the war with Russia became contentious.
Trump accused Zelenskyy of not showing enough gratitude for the support Ukraine has received from the U.S., claiming the Ukrainian leader was disrespectful and warning him that he was “gambling with World War III.” Zelenskyy attempted to respond, expressing his respect for the U.S. and stating that he had already expressed his thanks, but Trump spoke over him.
As a result of the heated exchange, a planned news conference was canceled, and Zelenskyy left the White House without answering any questions.
He had come to Washington with the expectation of signing a deal that would allow the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth and critical minerals, but the tense meeting left the future of the negotiations in doubt.
The exchange occurred after a lengthy Question and Answer session with reporters, during which Trump defended his strategy with Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming he was attempting to negotiate a deal between the two sides. “I’m not aligned with anyone. My allegiance is to the United States, and for the benefit of the world, I am aligned with the world, and I want to resolve this situation,” Trump stated. Vice President Vance supported Trump’s approach, labeling it as “diplomacy.”
This prompted a strong reaction from Zelenskyy, who pointed out that Putin had violated previous agreements. “He broke the ceasefire. He killed our people. … What kind of diplomacy are you talking about, JD?” asked Ukraine’s president, who has been advocating for stronger security guarantees as part of any peace agreement.
Trump later told reporters, “They should implement an immediate ceasefire.”
Vance accused Zelenskyy of trying to “litigate this in front of the American media,” claiming he was conducting propaganda tours and campaigning for Democrats in Pennsylvania during the election while being ungrateful.
Zelenskyy responded, “Have you ever been to Ukraine? Have you seen the issues we face? Come visit.”
Vance retorted, “Show some gratitude for the United States and the president who is trying to help your country.”
Zelenskyy replied, “During the war, everyone has challenges, even you. But you have a beautiful ocean and may not feel it now. However, you will feel it in the future. God bless, may you not experience war.” With his arms crossed, Zelenskyy continued, and Trump interrupted, saying, “Don’t tell us what we will feel. We’re trying to address a problem.” As both leaders raised their voices, each attempting to speak over the other, Zelenskyy asserted, “You will feel the impact.”
