Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy 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 Zelenskyy as "disrespectful" to the American people and the Oval Office, with Vance accusing Zelenskyy 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
Vance then asked Zelenskyy 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."
Zelenskyy responded by saying that everyone has problems during wars, even the United States. However, Zelenskyy noted that while 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 Trump 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...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 Zelenskyy with a rhetorical question, asking whether he had "said thank you" during the entirety of the meeting. He then called out Zelenskyy 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 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. 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 Zelenskyy was subsequently canceled.
