President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sparred during their meeting at the White House.
Zelenskyy visited the White House on Friday to sign a deal regarding Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. During a meeting in the Oval Office, Zelenskyy told Trump and Vance that Vladimir Putin has violated agreements with his country in the past and occupied parts of Ukraine during Trump’s first term.
Vance responded by telling Zelenskyy, “I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the oval office and try to litigate this in front of them American media.” The vice president then accused his government of forcing civilians to the frontlines due to a low amount of manpower.
“Have you’ve ever been to Ukraine that you say what problems we have?” Zelenskyy shot back.
“I’ve actually watched and seen the stories and I know that what happens is you bring people, you bring them on a propaganda tour,” Vance continued. “Mr. President. Do you disagree that you’ve had problems bringing people into your military? And do you think that it’s respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to trying to prevent the destruction of your country?”
Zelenskyy continued that under war, “everybody has problems, even you” and that the U.S. would feel the war “in the future.”
“You don’t know that,” Trump responded as Zelenskyy said “God bless you” to Trump.
“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,” Trump continued.
“You are in no position to dictate that, remember that,” Trump said, as Zelenskyy defended that he was simply answering Vance’s questions.
“I feel we’re going to feel very good, very strong,” Trump said. “You’re right now not in a very good position. You’ve allowed yourself to be in a very bad position.”
“You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards,” Trump continued, as Zelesnkyy said, “I’m not playing cards.”
“Yeah you’re playing cards,” Trump said. “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III. You’re gambling with World War III. And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country.”
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
