Zelensky was reportedly asked to leave the White House early without a deal being signed after a war of words broke out with Donald Trump – who accused him of being ‘disrespectful’
Donald Trump calls Zelenskyy ‘disrespectful’ during meeting
This is the shocking moment Donald Trump flies into a fit of rage during talks with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky – who he shouted at in front of reporters for being “disrespectful” to the United States.
Trump’s furious outburst came as the two leaders sat down for a meeting in the Oval Office on Friday afternoon, where they were due to sign a deal on sharing Ukraine’s mineral riches and discuss a peace deal with Russia. Instead, the chat descended into chaos, with Trump telling Zelensky he was “gambling with millions of lives” and “gambling with World War III”.
Shortly after the heated exchange, Zelensky unexpectedly left the White House early without having finalised a crucial minerals agreement that Trump insisted on, suggesting it would be a prerequisite for a guaranteed US backing for Ukraine. The US president later said his sickening outburst would make “great television”.
Trumps anger was triggered by Zelensky saying the US may not feel the effects of the war because of the “nice ocean” between the two countries, but that it “will feel it in the future.” The meeting then descended into a shouting match, with Trump interjecting: “Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel because you’re in no position to dictate that.”
Trump raised his voice and pointed his finger at Zelenskyy, adding: “You’re not in a good position. You don’t have the cards. With us, you have the cards.” Zelensky replied: “I’m not playing cards. I’m very serious. I’m a President in a war.”
“You’ve got to be more thankful,” Trump seethed. “I’ve empowered you to be a tough guy. I don’t think you’d be a tough guy without the United States. Your people are very brave, but you’re either going to make a deal, or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I think it’s not going to be pretty, but you’ll fight it out.” He added: “You’re gambling with millions of people seeing you gambling with World War Three. You’re gambling with World War Three.”
Vice President JD Vance then accused President Zelensky of being on a “propaganda tour”. He said “Mr President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for coming to the Oval Office and trying to litigate this in front of the media.” Both Trump and Vance repeatedly suggested Zelenskyy was not thankful enough to the US for its assistance.
Vance asked Zelensky: “Have you said ‘thank you’ once?” – before noting that he’d visited Pennsylvania in October to campaign for “the opposition” – Trump’s rival Kamala Harris. According to CNN, Mr Trump instructed his secretary of state, Marco Rubio, and national security adviser, Mike Walz to tell Zelensky he needed to leave.
The US President said later on in a statement: “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 goes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelensky 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.”
