A tense meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky featured heated exchanges on U.S.-Russia relations and Ukraine’s ongoing conflict. Trump emphasized his alignment with the U.S. and the necessity of diplomacy, while critiquing Zelensky’s approach. Zelensky argued that past diplomatic efforts failed, asserting Ukraine’s need for stronger military support. Vice President JD Vance joined the debate, pressing for gratitude towards U.S. support. The conversation highlighted disagreements on strategies for resolving the crisis and included accusations regarding the U.S. presidents’ effectiveness, culminating in a contentious atmosphere as both leaders defended their positions on the war.
A meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday escalated into a tense confrontation in the Oval Office. The exchange was marked by interruptions that made certain parts hard to follow. Below are significant highlights from this passionate discussion.
Trump (in response to a reporter): I stand with the United States—not with Putin or anyone else. My focus is on what’s best for America and the world. Ending this conflict is essential. The level of disdain he has for Putin complicates negotiations. He’s filled with deep resentment, which I get. But remember, the other side isn’t exactly fond of him either.
It’s not about alliances; my allegiance lies with the global community. I am determined to resolve this. My stance is with Europe, and I want to see if we can close the deal. Do you want me to be firm? I can be more resolute than anyone you’ve encountered. Yet, that’s not a way to secure an agreement. It just is what it is.
Vice President JD Vance: Let me address this. Over the past four years, we’ve had a president who spoke bluntly about Putin at press conferences, but then Putin proceeded to invade Ukraine and ravage a large part of it. The route to peace and prosperity lies in diplomatic efforts. We tried the approach of Joe Biden: assertive rhetoric and neglecting the significance of actions versus words.
What makes America admirable is its commitment to diplomacy. That’s precisely what President Trump is attempting.
Zelensky: Indeed. He seized vast regions of Ukraine—particularly eastern Ukraine and Crimea. This occupation has persisted since 2014. So, spanning multiple years, I’m not just referring to Biden here. We’ve witnessed Obama, followed by Trump, then Biden, and now Trump again. God willing, Trump will halt him. But back in 2014, no one intervened. He took control and caused casualties.
Trump: 2015.
Zelensky: 2014.
Vance: Both 2014 and 2015.
Trump: 2014. I wasn’t present.
Zelensky: But from 2014 to 2022…(…) No one took action. We had numerous discussions with him. My initial bilateral conversations in 2019 resulted in a ceasefire agreement I secured alongside Macron and Merkel. Despite that, he didn’t comply, leading to the loss of our people and failing to honor prisoner exchanges. What diplomacy are you referring to, JD?
Vance: I’m talking about diplomacy that will halt the devastation of your nation.
Vance: Mr. President, with all due respect, it’s inappropriate for you to come to the Oval Office and air grievances in front of the media. Currently, you’re forcing conscripts to the front lines due to a manpower crisis. You should be expressing gratitude to the president for seeking to resolve this conflict.
Zelensky: Have you ever been to Ukraine? You talk about the problems we face.
Vance: I have visited—
Zelensky: Come once!
Vance: I’ve seen the reports, and I know what happens: you bring people into a staged event, Mr. President. Do you deny facing challenges in recruiting for your military?
Zelensky: We do face challenges. I’ll answer.
Vance: And is it respectful to visit the Oval Office of the United States and confront the administration that is actively working to spare your nation from further destruction?
Zelensky: So many questions. Let’s address them systematically.
Vance: Absolutely.
Zelensky: Firstly, in wartime, challenges are universal, even for you. But you enjoy the luxury of an ocean, so perhaps you’re unaware of the future implications.
Trump: You can’t presume that.
Zelensky: May God bless you, and may you never experience war.
Trump: Don’t predict our feelings. We’re striving to address a situation. Don’t dictate our emotions.
Zelensky: I am not prescribing anything.
Trump: You’re in no position to determine that. Remember: you can’t dictate how we feel. We will feel strong and confident.
Zelensky: You will experience repercussions. Trust me.
Trump: We are going to feel robust and empowered.
Zelensky: You will face consequences.
Trump: Your current situation isn’t favorable.
Trump: You’ve put yourself at a disadvantage. You’re not in a favorable position. With our support, you gain an advantage.
Zelensky: I’m not playing games. I’m serious, Mr. President. I lead a nation at war—
Trump: You’re taking risks. You’re gambling with millions of lives. You’re courting World War III. You are behaving disrespectfully towards the country that has supported you more than many claimed necessary.
Vance: Have you expressed gratitude at any point during this meeting? No. Throughout this gathering, have you uttered a word of thanks? You campaigned for your opponent in Pennsylvania just last October. Extend some appreciation for the United States and the president striving to rescue your country.
Zelensky: Please. Do you believe that speaking loudly about the war—
Trump: He’s not being overly vocal. Your nation is in severe peril. One moment.
Zelensky: Am I allowed to respond?
Trump: No. No. You’ve done ample talking. Your nation is facing dire issues.
Zelensky: I understand. I understand.
Trump: You’re not securing victories. You stand a solid chance of emerging victorious thanks to us.
Zelensky: Mr. President, we’ve remained steadfast in our land from the start of the war. We’ve been left to our own devices, and we are grateful. I expressed my thanks during this cabinet meeting and only in this cabinet.
Trump: You haven’t been isolated. With this administration, we’ve provided you with $350 billion. We supplied military assets. While your soldiers are courageous, they had to rely on our military support. Without our equipment—
Zelensky: You invited me—
Trump: Had you not had our military equipment, this conflict would have concluded in a fortnight.
Zelensky: In three days. I heard that from Putin: in three days.
Trump: Perhaps even sooner.
Zelensky: This would take two weeks. Certainly.
Trump: Conducting business under these circumstances will be quite challenging. I assure you.
Vance: Just utter a thank you.
Zelensky: I’ve frequently expressed gratitude to the American populace.
Vance: Acknowledge that differences exist. Let’s address those disagreements privately instead of clashing in the media when you’re incorrect. We know you’re mistaken.
Trump: It’s important for Americans to witness what’s happening. I believe keeping this dialogue alive is crucial, which is why I extended it for so long. Gratitude is essential.
Zelensky: I am grateful.
Trump: You lack leverage. You’re cornered; your people are perishing. You’re facing a shortage of soldiers.
Zelensky: Please, Mr. President, refrain from this.
Trump: Listen. You’re short on soldiers. It would be advantageous for you. Then you propose, ‘I reject a cease-fire. I am determined to push forward, and I want this.’ Honestly, if you could achieve a cease-fire now, I’d advise you to take it. Stop the bullets from flying and protect your men.
Zelensky: Yes, naturally, we desire to end the conflict.
Trump: But you’re telling us you’re against a cease-fire.
Zelensky: I conveyed that to you, contingent on certain guarantees.
Trump: I desire a cease-fire, as it will be quicker to achieve than a full agreement.
Zelensky: Consult our citizens about their thoughts on a cease-fire—
Trump: That didn’t occur under my administration. Those were things tied to Biden, who is not the most astute individual. That was also linked to Obama.
Zelensky: That involved your presidency.
Trump: Excuse me, that happened under Obama, who delivered you bedding, while I provided you with javelins.
Zelensky: Indeed.
Trump: I supplied you with javelins to neutralize those tanks, whereas Obama only provided linens. The narrative is clear: Obama provided bedding while I provided javelins. You should express more gratitude because I assure you, without us, you wouldn’t have any leverage.
Negotiating will be challenging because attitudes must shift.
Reporter: What happens if Russia violates the cease-fire? What steps do you take then? It seems that this is an intense discussion?
Trump: What are you implying?
Vance: She is inquiring: What if Russia breaches the cease-fire?
Trump: What if anything? What if a bomb were to drop on your head this instant? Alright? What if they broke it? I can’t say—I know they broke it under Biden because they lack respect for him. They disrespected Obama. They do respect me. Let me clarify: Putin faced significant challenges with me. He endured a baseless witch hunt where they manipulated the narrative around him—Russia, Russia, Russia, have you heard of that? It was absurd. That entire saga involved Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, and crafty Adam Schiff—an elaborate Democrat scheme. He had to navigate through that, and despite that, we avoided a war.
He was subjected to these accusations, yet I can confidently say: he may have disregarded agreements with Obama and Bush, perhaps even Biden—but he honored them with me. He seeks to broker a deal. I can’t tell if it will materialize.
The issue is, I’ve enabled you to appear formidable, and without the United States, I doubt you could maintain that image. Your people are incredibly brave.
Zelensky: Thank you.
Trump: However, you must either close the deal or we will withdraw. If we withdraw, you’ll need to face the situation on your own. I don’t believe that will end well. But without us, you lack leverage. Once we formalize the agreement, your position improves significantly. However, you’re not displaying gratitude at all. Honestly, that’s unbecoming. This is not nice.
Alright. I think we’ve seen enough. What do you think? This will surely make for captivating television. I assure you of that. Alright, we’ll see what can be done to finalize this deal. Thank you.