A shouting match erupted in the Oval Office on Friday as U.S. President Donald Trump confronted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over American support for Ukraine.
This incident marked a dramatic shift in diplomatic relations.
During the tense meeting, Trump and Vice President JD Vance chastised Zelensky for what they perceived as a lack of appreciation for U.S. assistance, accusing him of obstructing a peace deal with Russia as the war extended into its third year.
“You’re not really in a very good position,” Trump told Zelensky. “You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards.”
“I’m not playing cards,” Zelensky retorted, as reported by CNN.
As the exchange intensified, Trump raised his voice, accusing the Ukrainian leader of gambling with millions of lives and risking World War III.
Vance took it further, calling Zelensky “disrespectful” and questioning his level of gratitude for U.S. support.
“Have you said ‘thank you’ even once?” Vance pressed.
Following the heated confrontation, Trump abruptly ended the meeting and ordered the Ukrainian delegation to leave the White House, according to a senior official.
A scheduled joint press conference was cancelled, and Zelensky left without signing a planned agreement that would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals.
In a scathing social media post, Trump declared that Zelensky would not be welcome back until he was “ready for peace.”
In contrast, Zelensky maintained a diplomatic stance, expressing gratitude towards America, Congress, and the American people for their continued support.
Ukraine’s Defence Ministry adopted a more defiant tone, stating, “We have our own things to do. Glory to Ukraine.”
Russia quickly seized upon the dramatic exchange. Kirill Dmitriev, a Kremlin envoy, labelled the moment “historic,” while Russian state media portrayed Zelensky as erratic and ungrateful.
A RIA Novosti headline proclaimed: “Zelensky’s Hysteria in the White House Shocks the Rada.”
Earlier that day, Zelensky had met with a bipartisan U.S. Senate delegation to discuss military aid and security guarantees.
Despite the diplomatic fallout with Trump, Zelensky reaffirmed his gratitude for America’s ongoing support.
