In a tense exchange in the Oval Office on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stood his ground during a fierce altercation with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The confrontation erupted after Trump and Vance accused Zelensky of not showing public gratitude for U.S. support in Ukraine’s ongoing war efforts.
The confrontation began when Vance, visibly frustrated, reprimanded Zelensky for not publicly thanking the Trump administration for its wartime assistance.
He also criticised the Ukrainian leader for failing to wholeheartedly endorse any peace terms proposed by the United States.
Vance, in an outspoken rebuke, called Zelensky’s actions “disrespectful” for travetling to Washington and requesting more than just a ceasefire, including demands such as a prisoner swap, in front of the media.
He emphasised that Zelensky’s priority should have been to express gratitude to President Trump and the American people for their continued support.
Zelensky attempted to counter Vance’s accusation of ingratitude but before he could finish, an enraged Trump interrupted, joining Vance in criticising the Ukrainian leader and not allowing him to respond.
Trump said: “We’re trying to solve a problem.
“Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel because you’re in no position to dictate that. You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel. We’re going to feel very good. We’re going to feel very good and very strong. You’re right now, not in a very good position. You’ve allowed yourself to be in a very bad position. You’re not in a good position. You don’t have the cards right now.
“You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III; you’re gambling with World War III. What you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country, that has backed you far more than many people say they should have.”
Vance asked: “Have you said thank you once this entire meeting?”
Zelensky responded to Vance: “Please, you think that if you will speak very loudly about the war … ” Trump cut him off again.
“Your country is in big trouble. No, no, you’ve done a lot of talking,” Trump said, refusing to let Zelensky speak. “Your country is in big trouble. You’re not winning this.”
Zelensky then added: “Mr. President, we are staying in our country—staying strong from the very beginning of the war. We have been alone. I have said thanks in this cabinet. I have said thanks.”
Trump cut Zelensky off again, “You haven’t been alone. We gave you, through our st!pid president, $350 billion. We gave you military equipment. Your men are brave but they had to use our military. If you didn’t have our military equipment, this war would have been over in two weeks.”
Zelensky responded, “Yeah, in three days, I heard it from Putin.”
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