In a fiery exchange within the hallowed walls of the Oval Office on Friday, US President Donald Trump vociferously reprimanded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump’s stern voice echoed as he chastised Zelensky for “gambling with millions of lives,” suggesting ominously that his actions could be the spark for World War III.
The meeting took a dramatic turn when Zelensky, in a sudden and abrupt departure, left the White House. Significantly, he did not sign the crucial minerals deal with the US—a deal that Trump insisted was vital for continued support to embattled Ukraine.
A lot of back and forth happened between Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Zelensky in the last 10 minutes of the meeting which lasted for about 45 minutes, news agency AP reported.
It began with Vance addressing Zelenskyy in a firm tone, ‘Mr. President, with the utmost respect. I believe it’s quite disrespectful for you to arrive in the Oval Office and attempt to argue this matter before the American media.’
As Zelenskyy moved to object, Trump’s voice soared in intensity, ‘You’re recklessly wagering with the lives of countless millions.’
‘You’re risking the eruption of World War III, and your actions are profoundly disrespectful to this nation, a nation that has supported you more than many others claim it should have,’ Trump asserted emphatically.
In an uncommon display of outright tension within the iconic Oval Office, Trump was observed exerting pressure on Zelenskyy to allow the US access to Ukraine’s valuable minerals and to concede to a war agreement aligned with his own terms.
In the tense atmosphere of the Oval Office, the dialogue began with Vance addressing Zelenskyy, “Mr. President, with all due respect, I find it quite disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office and attempt to discuss this openly in front of the American media.” Driven by a rush of indignation, Zelenskyy attempted to interject, but was promptly interrupted by Trump, who elevated his voice, stating, “You’re playing a dangerous game with the lives of millions.”
With fiery assertion, Trump continued, “You’re risking the outbreak of World War III, and your actions are wildly disrespectful to this country—a country that has supported you more than many believe is wise,” he declared. Trump’s demeanor exuded rare hostility as he applied pressure on Zelenskyy to grant the US access to Ukraine’s valuable minerals and accept a peace resolution on American terms.
Trump commented earlier, “We’re not eager to send an abundance of arms. The US is eager to see the war come to an end so that we can direct our focus elsewhere,” he noted. Without wavering, Trump indicated that Zelenskyy wasn’t in a strong position to request concessions.
“You’re not in an advantageous position. You don’t hold the cards right now,” Trump pointed out emphatically, gesturing towards Zelenskyy. “Only through us can you start gaining leverage.” As the conversation veered toward past US support for Ukraine, Trump issued a cautionary note, “Conducting business in this manner won’t be easy.” In a sudden interjection, Vance advised Zelenskyy to simply “express gratitude” rather than publicly voicing disagreements before the assembled press.
Zelensky was anticipated to sign a pivotal economic agreement with the United States, one designed to finance the monumental rebuilding of war-ravaged Ukraine. This agreement promises to forge a closer bond between the two nations for many years ahead. Trump remarked that the United States is presenting Ukraine with a just deal, emphasizing the desire for US funds to be dedicated to various forms of reconstruction.
“We have something that is a very fair deal,” Trump stated, further explaining, “It involves a significant commitment from the United States.” He highlighted that the US strives to see the cessation of violence in the ongoing conflict, reiterating that American funding should be allocated towards rebuilding efforts. Yet, many Ukrainians remain apprehensive about hastily-made peace, concerned that it might allow Russia to reorganize and renew its aggression in the future.
Following a heated discussion in the Oval Office, Trump took to the official POTUS social media account, asserting, “…I have concluded that President Zelenskyy is not prepared for Peace if America is to play a part.”
“He disgraced the United States within its revered Oval Office. He may return when he is genuinely ready for Peace,” Trump posted.