Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has abruptly left the White House after he publicly clashed with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, with Trump stating that Zelenskyy should be “more grateful” to the US and “make a deal [with Russia] or get out”.
The confrontation between the US leaders and Ukrainian President occurred during a press conference filmed in the Oval Office, with Vance calling Zelenskyy “disrespectful” after the latter criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin’s lack of diplomacy with Ukraine.
“With respect,” Vance began, “I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media.
“Right now, you guys are going around and forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems. You should be thanking [Trump] for trying to bring an end to this conflict.”
Trump welcomed Zelenskyy to the White House prior to their argument. (Image: Associated Press)
Zelenskyy fired back at Vance by asking him if he’s ever visited Ukraine to see first-hand what the country is dealing with, with Vance accusing Zelenskyy of putting on a “propaganda tour” to visitors.
“I’ve actually watched and seen the stories, and I know that what happens is you bring people, you bring them on a propaganda tour, Mr. President.
“Do you disagree that you’ve had problems bringing people into your military? And do you think [it] is respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country?”
Vance and Trump publicly argued with Zelenskyy in a press conference. (Image: Bloomberg)
Trump, who stayed mostly silent during this exchange, erupted against the Ukrainian president when Zelenskyy mentioned that the US might one day “feel” the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war in the future.
“You are in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel. We’re going to feel very good,” Trump argued.
The pair then exchanged curt replies to each other, with Trump claiming that Zelenskyy is “gambling with World War III” and that Ukraine only has “the cards” to win the war with the US’ help.
“You’re not in a good position. You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards,” Trump said.
“You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III.”
The confrontation culminated in Trump asking Zelenskyy to be more “thankful” to the US due to their military aid to Ukraine, and to accept a ceasefire with Russia.
“You have to be thankful,” Trump said.
“Look, if you can get a ceasefire right now, I tell you, you take it so the bullets stop flying and your men stop getting killed. Are you saying you don’t want a ceasefire? I want a ceasefire. Because you’ll get a ceasefire faster than an agreement.”
Following the trio’s ongoing shouting and speaking over each other, the news conference was quickly brought to a halt and Zelenskyy left the White House.
In a post to social media, Zelenskyy thanked America and the President but made no mention of the public row.
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