During a tense meeting at the White House, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in a shouting match over Ukraine’s need for US support. Zelensky had brought a golden UFC belt, a gift as a gesture of goodwill, won by Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk. Initially cordial, the meeting quickly deteriorated after Vice President JD Vance accused Zelensky of ingratitude. Trump’s anger escalated as Zelensky suggested US support would be critical, leading to Trump’s warning about the potential consequences. The meeting ended abruptly, with no joint press conference or lunch, leaving world leaders shocked by the confrontation.
A belt in a striking golden hue from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) leaned against one corner of the hall as a heated argument erupted between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House yesterday. This was a gift from Zelensky to Trump, in keeping with the tradition of leaders exchanging souvenirs.
The UFC belt was claimed by Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk last year after defeating British boxer Tyson Fury. It was brought along by Zelensky during his visit to the White House to discuss a ceasefire with Russia, a deal that has since fallen apart following the contentious interaction between the two presidents.
Unfortunately, the uproar from their dispute overshadowed the significance of Ukraine’s prestigious sports tribute presented to Trump. What appeared to be an attempt by Zelensky to curry favor with Trump, after being labeled a “terrorist,” backfired spectacularly.
The gift was likely overlooked entirely. In a further blow, the Ukrainian delegation was asked to leave, their scheduled joint press conference was cancelled, and a lavish lunch prepared for the visitors went unserved.
The initial meeting in the Oval Office commenced on a friendly note as Trump and Zelensky prepared to finalize a rare minerals agreement. The two leaders shook hands, and Trump even joked about Zelensky’s attire—a military-style shirt often worn by Ukraine’s wartime leaders. However, the mood quickly deteriorated within minutes.
Zelensky attempted to de-escalate tensions, but matters intensified when Vice President JD Vance accused the Ukrainian leader of lacking “gratitude” for US assistance. When Zelensky challenged the calls for diplomacy, Vance deemed his comments disrespectful.
The two presidents, both adept at managing their public images, then engaged in a verbal confrontation—with Zelensky’s claim that the US would “feel it in the future” if it failed to support Ukraine enraging Trump. The US President retorted sharply, “Don’t tell us what we are going to feel.”
As Trump’s voice grew louder, the political entertainer warned Zelensky that he was “gambling with World War 3.” Soon after, Zelensky departed the White House without a joint press conference. The formal luncheon orchestrated by the White House for the visiting leaders was also scrapped, but the incident was far from concluded.
This unpleasant exchange took many world leaders by surprise. Canada and European allies rallied in support of the Ukrainian President, while Russia commended Trump’s “restraint” towards Zelensky.