Outburst comes as U.S., Ukraine meeting to discuss deal on minerals, ceasefire in war with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice-President J.D. Vance had a tense exchange at the White House on Friday, with the U.S. leaders calling Zelenskyy ‘disrespectful’ and calling for the Ukrainian leader to thank them for assistance.
A meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy devolved into a shouting match at the White House on Friday, a remarkable scene unlike any other seen in the Oval Office in recent memory.
Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Zelenskyy as Ukraine’s leader sought security guarantees during negotiations to bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war after three years.
Trump told Zelenskyy as they gathered in the Oval Office that doing so was disrespectful. Zelenskyy was pushing for U.S. security commitments to keep his country safe from further Russian aggression.
“You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people,” Trump said. “You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that’s backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have.”
The meeting between the two men took a turn on the topic of whether Zelenskyy has shown enough gratitude to the United States for its support in the war. Trump, at one point, gave Zelenskyy an ultimatum on a peace agreement: “make a deal or we’re out.”
Vance sat opposite the men, telling the Ukraine president to be grateful: “Have you said ‘thank you’ even once?”
The three of them shouted over one another with raised voices. A planned news conference with the leaders was later cancelled and Zelenskyy left the White House early.
In a post online, Trump said it was a “meaningful” meeting.
“Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion…. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”