Donald Trump Calls Ukrainian President Zelenskyy “Disrespectful” In Tense Confrontation At White House
on Feb 28, 2025
A meeting between President Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House Friday turned tense.
According to NBC News, Zelenskyy visited the White House for a meeting with Donald Trump about a potential deal between their respective countries on Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals.
During the meeting, held in the Oval Office, a heated exchange took place between the two leaders that led to Trump telling Zelenskyy that he is “gambling with World War III.”
Trump and Vance accused Zelenskyy of not being thankful.
The comment came after Vance asked Zelenskyy if he had expressed gratitude to the United States for aid his country received. Vance added, “the path to peace and the path to prosperity is maybe engaging in diplomacy.”
Zelensky replied, “What kind of diplomacy, JD, you are speaking about? What do you mean?”
Vance fired back, telling the Ukrainian leader that it was disrespectful for him to argue the point in the Oval Office in front of American media.
Trump backed his vice president’s point, telling Zelenskyy, “You’re in no position to dictate what we’re gonna feel. … You’re, right now, not in a very good position.” He then raised his voice and said, “You’re gambling with World War III.”
“Have you ever said thank you once?” Vance questioned President Zelenskyy’s appreciation for the help America gave Ukraine. Trump later added, “You have to be thankful; you don’t have the cards. You’re buried there.”
“You’re not acting at all thankful,” the U.S. president added.
Zelenskyy left the White House and the press conference scheduled to take place after the meeting was canceled.
Donald Trump posted a message about the meeting on Truth Social.
Trump stated in the post that Zelenskyy isn’t ready for peace and said the Ukrainian president can return when he is ready for peace.
Watch the tense exchange in the video below. What does Zelenskyy mutter under his breath while the Vice President is talking?
Extended clip of the exchange here:
