Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy anticipated a fruitful meeting with Donald Trump at the White House on Friday. He aimed to sign a mineral agreement that would solidify America's investment in Ukraine's future. Instead, Zelenskyy faced intense scrutiny from Trump and Vice President JD Vance in front of global media.
Trump insisted on 'more gratitude' for US aid, while Zelenskyy dismissed the idea of a ceasefire with Russia. When Zelenskyy rejected the truce, the US President retorted, 'You have no standing. You depend on America's arms.' Trump argued that the war would conclude in 'two weeks' without US military support.
Read more about this tense exchange: Zelenskyy and Trump's verbal clash leaves Ukraine pondering its future.
Tensions escalated to the point where Zelenskyy was asked to leave the White House prematurely, leaving the proposed mineral agreement unsigned. Trump later posted on social media, 'Return when you're truly ready for peace.'
Source: aajtak
(Photo: AP)
The unraveling of Trump and Zelenskyy's meeting
First Confrontation:
A heated debate between Zelenskyy and Vance
Initially, their conversation was cordial and formal for half an hour, but tensions rose following a comment by Vance in the Oval Office.
Video Insight: Tensions rise as Ukrainian Ambassador caught mid-debate between Zelenskyy and Trump.
Vance:
(firmly) The path to peace and prosperity is through diplomacy. That's what President Trump is doing.
Zelenskyy:
What diplomacy, JD? What do you mean?
Source: aajtak
(Photo: AP)
Vance:
Diplomacy that could prevent your nation's destruction.
The Vice President accused Zelenskyy of being disrespectful and argued against public debates before American media.
Second Confrontation:
Trump's Anger Unleashed
Zelenskyy:
In times of war, everyone faces issues, even you. You have the ocean, so you don't feel it now, but you will understand in the future.
Source: aajtak
(Photo: AP)
Trump:
Don't tell us what we're going to feel. You're not in command here. You're gambling with millions of lives. You have no cards to play. You're risking a third world war.
Learn more: How a debate between Zelenskyy and Trump shifted world perspectives.
Third Confrontation:
Trump Asserts - You Were Never Alone!
Zelenskyy:
We've been alone since the war began, but we're grateful nonetheless.
Trump:
You're not alone. We provided you with $350 billion in assistance.
Source: aajtak
(Photo: AP)
Vance inquired if Zelenskyy had thanked the US in the meeting, accusing him of campaigning for 'the opposition,' the Democrats, during last year's US elections.
Zelenskyy:
Please, do you think loud rhetoric about the war will...
Trump:
He isn't speaking loudly. Your nation is in grave trouble. You're not winning. Thanks to us, you have a real chance to recover.
Source: aajtak
(Photo: AP)
Fourth Confrontation:
Trump's Final Word
Trump:
Doing business like this is very hard. Without a change in approach, no agreement will be made.
Vance:
Just say thank you...
'A slap in Ukraine's face': Trump and Zelenskyy's fiery debate leaves Russia elated.
Silence filled the White House. Ukraine's Ambassador Oksana Markarova sat head in hands. Trump abruptly ended the conversation, and Zelenskyy left for his hotel. The White House stated Zelenskyy was asked to depart.
Source: aajtak
An anonymous official mentioned that after the meeting, Zelenskyy attempted to salvage the visit. However, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Ukrainian officials that Trump had instructed Zelenskyy to leave the White House immediately. The Ukrainian delegation, waiting nearby, wasn't invited for the customary lunch meeting.
