'You’re gambling with World War III': Trump-Zelenskyy clash at White House: High-stakes meeting ends in diplomatic chaos
PTC Web Desk: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s much-anticipated visit to the White House took an unexpected turn on Friday as discussions with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance turned into a heated exchange. Zelenskyy had aimed to secure a critical minerals agreement and reaffirm US support to hasten the end of Russia’s invasion. However, the meeting ended in turmoil, with no agreement reached and the Ukrainian delegation abruptly dismissed from the White House.
Meeting turns contentious
Zelenskyy’s discussions with Trump and Vance quickly escalated into a tense debate after Vance accused the Ukrainian leader of being disrespectful. Trump, visibly agitated, raised his voice, cautioning Zelenskyy, “You’re gambling with World War III.”
The situation further deteriorated when Trump was questioned about his stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin, a leader he has been criticised for being too lenient with. Trump defended his approach, stating he sought peace and would engage with both sides.
Vance argued that former President Joe Biden’s aggressive policies had only fueled the conflict, promoting diplomacy as the path to resolution. Zelenskyy immediately challenged this notion, citing Putin’s history of violating ceasefire agreements. “What kind of diplomacy are you referring to?” he asked.
Vance fired back, insisting diplomacy was necessary to end the destruction of Ukraine. He went on to criticise Zelenskyy for attempting to litigate the matter in front of the American media, adding, “I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office and do this.”
Zelenskyy countered by emphasising the global implications of the war, stating, “During the war, everybody has problems, even you. But you have a nice ocean and don’t feel it now, though you will in the future.”
Trump interrupted sharply: “Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. We’re trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel.”
Zelenskyy attempted to clarify his statement but was cut off again by Trump: “You’re in no position to dictate that. You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel.”
Trump continued, stating that Ukraine lacked leverage in negotiations, remarking, “You’re not in a good position. You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards.”
Zelenskyy, appearing frustrated, responded: “I’m not playing cards, I’m very serious, Mr. President.”
Trump remained firm: “You’re playing cards. You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III, and that’s very disrespectful.”
Zelenskyy’s gratitude questioned
The exchange intensified further when Vance challenged Zelenskyy on whether he had expressed gratitude to the US during the meeting. “Have you said ‘thank you’ once?” he asked.
Zelenskyy insisted he had expressed appreciation multiple times. However, Vance pressed further: “No, in this entire meeting, have you said ‘thank you’?”
Shortly afterward, Trump abruptly ended the meeting, and the planned joint media address was scrapped.
Ukrainian delegation dismissed
It was Zelenskyy’s fifth visit to the White House but his first under Trump’s presidency. Following the intense confrontation, the Ukrainian delegation was asked to leave. Reports from the Associated Press indicated that lunch arrangements were quietly cleared away outside the Cabinet Room, where the two delegations were originally scheduled to dine together.
Trump later took to Truth Social to reiterate his stance, stating, “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 an 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.”
Zelenskyy responds
After the meeting, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the American people despite the tense encounter. Posting on X, he stated, “Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
Speaking to Fox News, Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to securing security guarantees before engaging in peace talks with Russia. He admitted that the confrontation with Trump was “not good for both sides.”
Global Reactions
The fallout from the explosive White House meeting was swift, with global leaders reacting to the diplomatic rift.
French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, stating, “Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine is the victim. We must continue to stand with Ukraine.”
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre called the incident “serious and disheartening,” stressing the importance of continued US support for Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed solidarity with Ukraine, posting on X, “Dear @ZelenskyyUa, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also extended support, urging Zelenskyy to “be strong, be brave, be fearless.” In stark contrast, Russian officials celebrated the confrontation.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked Zelenskyy, posting on Telegram, “For the first time, Trump told the clown the truth to his face: the Kyiv regime is playing with World War III.”
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova sarcastically commented that it was a “miracle” that Trump and Vance restrained themselves from physically removing Zelenskyy from the Oval Office.
Uncertain Future for US-Ukraine Relations
The dramatic White House meeting has cast uncertainty over the future of US-Ukraine relations. While Trump has not ruled out a future agreement, he emphasised that discussions would only continue when Ukraine is ready for a “constructive conversation.”
A senior US official told Reuters that it would be up to the Ukrainians whether the cancelled joint press conference could be rescheduled before Zelenskyy concluded his visit to the US. With the diplomatic fallout still unfolding, questions remain over how this high-stakes confrontation will impact the broader geopolitical landscape.
- With inputs from agencies
