Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a statement following a tense exchange with former U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the Oval Office today.
During the meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., on February 28, Vance accused Zelenskyy of being disrespectful toward both the United States and President Trump, telling him, “You should be thanking the president.”
A video from the meeting shows Zelenskyy acknowledging the difficulties of war, stating that “during the war, everyone has problems,” and warning that just because Americans don’t “feel it now” doesn’t mean they won’t in the future.
Trump quickly interrupted, insisting he was “trying to solve a problem” and asserting that Zelenskyy was in “no position” to dictate how Americans should feel.
Raising his voice, Trump continued:
“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 not in a good position right now—you’ve allowed yourself to be in a very bad position.
“You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards… You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people! You’re gambling with World War III! And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country—this country.”
The exchange quickly sparked online reactions, with one Twitter user commenting:
“Jesus F**king Christ! Watching Trump yell and demean the Ukrainian President is completely disrespectful. What a disgrace.”
Following the heated meeting, Zelenskyy took to social media to express gratitude for U.S. support, writing:
“Thank you, America. Thank you for your support, thank you for this visit.”
He continued:
“Thank you, @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
Meanwhile, Trump released a statement on his Truth Social platform, describing the meeting as “meaningful” and revealing that he believes Zelenskyy is not yet ready for peace:
“Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelensky is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations.
“I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace.”
