4 hours ago
Last Updated:March 01, 2025, 01:13 IST
President Donald Trump slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for being “disrespectful” during a tense Oval Office meeting on Friday.
US President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the White House in Washington, February 28, 2025. (AP)
A tense Oval Office meeting on Friday, aimed at securing Ukraine’s agreement to share mining resources with the U.S., erupted into a heated confrontation between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. What was meant to be a diplomatic discussion soon escalated as Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance pushed Zelensky to show more gratitude for U.S. support and to agree to a ceasefire with Russia, even without firm security guarantees from the U.S.
During the exchange, Trump told Zelensky, “You don’t have the cards right now," as the two leaders interrupted each other forcefully in front of TV cameras. Zelensky, however, stood his ground, stating, “We’re not playing cards." He emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin could not be trusted, citing multiple violations of ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreements. Zelensky argued that abandoning Ukraine would endanger U.S. security, as an unchecked Russia would become even more dangerous.
As the confrontation grew more intense, Trump’s voice became sharper, warning Zelensky, “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III." The two leaders’ escalating frustration was on full display in the Oval Office, a rare sight during such high-level negotiations.
Typically, tough diplomatic talks take place behind closed doors, but the tensions between Trump and Zelensky were openly visible to the media. The impasse reached a boiling point when Trump abruptly cut off negotiations. He later took to Truth Social to express his displeasure, writing, “Zelensky had disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace."
Location :Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:March 01, 2025, 01:12 IST
News world Trump Cuts Off Talks With Zelenskyy After Heated White House Exchange: 'You're Gambling With World War III'
