President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance traded heated barbs with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, calling the wartime leader “disrespectful” and saying he should be more “thankful” for continued U.S. support.
“You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people! You’re gambling with World War III!” Trump told Zelensky as the two sit next to each other in the Oval Office.
“Have you said ‘thank you’ once?” Vance chimed in. “You went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October. Offer some words of appreciation for the Unites States of America and the president who’s trying to save your country.”
The contentious back-and-forth between the world leaders comes after Trump called Zelensky a “dictator without elections” last week and suggested Ukraine was to blame for the start of its war with Russia in February 2022. Trump later conceded that Russia invaded Ukraine and asked if he made the “dictator” comment.
“You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel,” Trump added during the meeting. “You’re not in a good position. You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards.”
.@VP: “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 prevent the destruction of your country?”@POTUS: “You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards … You’re… pic.twitter.com/iTYyAmfuCJ
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 28, 2025
During his visit to the White House, Zelensky was expected to seal a deal that gives the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. In return, the U.S. would have provided a security guarantee to protect Kyiv from future Russian aggression. After the intense exchange, the agreement was not signed.
The minerals deal lays out general details about the economic partnership between the U.S. and Ukraine. Trump, who remains committed to ending the war, has said the mineral resources can be applied for use in artificial intelligence, weapons, and the American military.
Trump and Zelensky’s joint press conference, initially scheduled for 1 p.m., was canceled. Without answering questions from reporters, Zelensky left the White House earlier than expected.
Trump kicked out Zelensky because he felt disrespected by the Ukrainian leader’s rhetoric and demeanor, according to White House officials.
“President Trump and Vice President Vance are standing up for the American people,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said of the argumentative debate.
Trump jumpstarted negotiations regarding the Ukraine war with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month. Zelensky and European leaders felt cheated by the U.S. after Trump administration diplomats spoke with Russian officials first about a peace deal.
Zelensky was the third European politician to visit the White House this week. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron each spoke with Trump about next steps to end the war that has lasted for the past three years.
“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,” Trump said in a statement on Truth Social.
“It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that 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 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.”
Zelensky later thanked President Trump, Congress, and the U.S. on social media, reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to working toward a “just and lasting peace,” despite the harsh meeting.
A Hudson Institute event featuring Zelensky was canceled shortly before its 4 p.m. start time. As of now, his sit-down interview with Fox News host Bret Baier is still scheduled to air at 6 p.m.