Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky entered the White House and sat down with President Donald Trump (R) and Vice President JD Vance (R) as negotiations between the United States and Russia to possibly end the war carry on.
During the exchange, President Trump and Vice President Vance both described President Zelensky as "disrespectful" to the American people and the Oval Office, with Vance accusing Zelensky of attempting to "litigate" his case in front of the American media.
President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD Vance put AMERICA FIRST. pic.twitter.com/AkAvzKpcpb
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 28, 2025
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Vance then asked Zelensky if the Ukrainian military is facing problems with recruitment numbers and then asked if it was respectful to come to the Oval Office and "attack the administration trying to prevent the destruction of your country."
Zelensky responded by saying that everyone has problems during wars, even the United States. However, Zelensky noted while that the U.S. has a "nice ocean" that serves as a protective barrier against attacks, it will "feel" the pains of war in the "future."
This prompted
to immediately step in saying:
"You don't know that. Don't tell us what we're going to feel. We're trying to solve a problem. You're in no position to dictate what we're going to feel. We're going to feel very strong ... 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."
Vance then called out Zelensky with a rhetorical question, asking whether he had "said thank you" during the entirety of the meeting. He then called out Zelensky again for campaigning with Democrats in Pennsylvania during the 2024 election cycle.
Trump added that it would be hard to do business with their disagreements.
On social media, Trump released the following statement after the meeting:
“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. 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 Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if… pic.twitter.com/CtnqXBNcW3
— President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) February 28, 2025
“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. 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,” said Trump.
The press conference between Trump and Zelensky was subsequently canceled.
