The US president publicly blasted Zelensky in the Oval Office for being “disrespectful” during a tense meeting – which resulted in the pair not locking in a minerals deal
Legendary actor Michael Caine has issued a sharp verdict on Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky’s explosive White House bust-up.
The US president publicly blasted Zelensky in the Oval Office for being “disrespectful” during a tense meeting – which resulted in the pair not locking in a minerals deal that Trump said would have moved Ukraine closer to ending the war with Russia. The Ukrainian leader was asked to leave by top White House advisers shortly after Trump shouted at him, showing open disdain.
“You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that’s backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have,” Trump told Zelensky. The last 10 minutes of the nearly 45-minute meeting devolved into a tense back and forth between Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Zelensky, who had urged scepticism about Russia’s commitment to diplomacy, citing Moscow’s years of broken commitments on the global stage.
And now, British acting royalty Sir Michael Caine has waded into the aftermath of the pair’s spat. The star, known for his roles in Zulu and The Ipcress File, posted on Twitter/X: “You’re only supposed to sign a ceasefire.” The comment is, of course, a play on his famous line from The Italian Job, in which he said: “You’re only supposed to blow the bloody doors off”
During the tense showdown, Mr Zelensky told Trump that the US would “feel it in the future” if it did not continue its support for Ukraine. But the president retorted: “Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. We’re trying to solve a problem,” as vice president JD Vance questioned why Mr Zelensky had not expressed gratitude for US military aid during the meeting.
Plans for an agreement, which would have given the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for support, were left unsigned after the diplomatic visit was cut short. US Vice President JD Vance also challenged Mr Zelensky in front of numerous media outlets, claiming the Ukraine leader brings politicians on a “propaganda tour” in order to secure funds and weapons for his fight against Vladimir Putin.
“You bring them on a propaganda tour,” Mr Vance stated before claiming that Ukraine was having trouble keeping the military properly staffed. However, Mr Zelensky fired back at Mr Vance asking: “Have you ever been to Ukraine?”
Mr Vance was overheard telling the Ukrainian leader: “Mr President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office and 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 the president for bringing an end to this conflict.”
Meanwhile, the hero Ukrainian leader arrived in London today – a day earlier than expected – after Donald Trump’s Oval Office meltdown last night. Ukraine’s presidential plane was seen arriving at Stansted Airport this morning, having flown overnight from the US.
He was expected to meet Keir Starmer tomorrow for a Downing Street meeting ahead of a major summit of European leaders in London. Leaders from France, Gemany, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania and others are expected to attend.