Trump And JD Vance Had A Huge Argument With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy On Live TV
The three yelled at each other for several minutes as Trump and Vance repeatedly argued that Zelenskyy was not grateful to the US.
US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance had a massive argument with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting at the White House, prompting it to end abruptly.
The meeting on Friday, Feb. 28 was scheduled before the US and Ukraine were set to sign an agreement that would have given the US access to rare earth minerals from Ukraine used in technology and weapons.
Tension escalated after Vance said that the Trump administration was engaging in diplomacy to obtain peace unlike other administrations.
“What kind of diplomacy, JD, you are speaking about?” Zelenskyy then asked, saying that Russia broke multiple negotiated deals since it invaded Ukraine in 2014..
“Mr. President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media,” Vance replied, adding that Zelenskyy should be grateful to Trump for trying to bring an end to the war.
Zelenskyy then tried to object before being cut off by Trump, who said, “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III.”
“Have you said thank you once this entire meeting?” Vance asked.
Zelenskyy then replied that he had repeatedly done so.
The three then yelled at each other for several minutes as Trump and Vance repeatedly argued that Zelenskyy was not grateful to the US and that Ukraine would be in a worse position without the US’ support.
Zelenskyy, meanwhile, said that a ceasefire must come with a security guarantee from the US.
The meeting ended abruptly, with Zelenskyy departing the White House shortly after without signing the minerals agreement.
Following the meeting, dozens of European leaders took to X to express their support to Ukraine and calling Russia the aggressor in the war after the meeting.
“Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Trump took to X and said, “I have determined that President Zelenskyy 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.”
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