Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s highly anticipated meeting in the Oval Office descended into chaos as the two leaders engaged in a heated exchange over Ukraine’s war with Russia.
Trump accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War III” and demanded he show more gratitude for U.S. support. The extraordinary row, which saw Vice President J.D. Vance also lashing out at Zelensky, threatened to overshadow ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
A diplomatic meltdown
The meeting unraveled after about 40 minutes when Zelensky pushed back against Trump’s insistence that he compromise with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky argued that he had signed deals with Putin in the past, but that the Russian leader had repeatedly violated agreements. Trump, visibly frustrated, dismissed the concerns, insisting that under his leadership, Putin would honor a peace deal.
“You’re gambling with World War III,” Trump reportedly shouted. “And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country that’s backed you far more than a lot of people say they should.”
Vance demands gratitude
Vice President J.D. Vance also confronted Zelensky, demanding that he express appreciation for U.S. assistance.
“Have you said thank you, once, in this entire meeting?” Vance asked. “You went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October. Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who’s trying to save your country.”
A week of diplomacy unravels
The confrontation marks a stark contrast to the diplomatic groundwork laid by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had spent the week preparing for Zelensky’s visit.
While European leaders hoped to secure U.S. backing for a peace deal supported by air defense systems and military aid, Trump made it clear that he had different priorities.
His demands for immediate peace and control over Ukrainian resources suggest a transactional approach rather than a long-term strategy.
Trump claims Putin will respect him
As tensions escalated, Trump launched into a tirade about his previous dealings with Russia, claiming that Putin respected him in a way he never respected President Biden or former President Obama.
“Biden, they didn’t respect him. They didn’t respect Obama. They respect me,” Trump said. “Putin went through a hell of a lot with me. He went through a phony witch hunt where they used him and Russia, Russia, Russia. You ever hear that deal?”
Trump tells Zelensky: ‘You have to be thankful’
As the meeting drew to a close, Trump reiterated his stance, telling Zelensky that a ceasefire was the best possible option.
“You have to be thankful. You don’t have the cards. You’re buried there. Your people are dying. You’re running low on soldiers,” Trump said. “If you could get a ceasefire right now, I tell you, you’d take it so the bullets stop flying and your men stop getting killed.”
Zelensky remained firm, arguing that a ceasefire alone was not enough when dealing with Putin, who could not be trusted to abide by agreements.
Russian reporter removed from Oval Office
In a surprising turn, a reporter from the Russian state news agency Tass was escorted out of the Oval Office during the meeting.
The White House later confirmed that the reporter was not on the approved media list and was removed as soon as officials became aware.
“TASS was not on the approved list of media for today’s pool,” the White House said. “As soon as it came to the attention of press office staff that he was in the Oval, he was escorted out by the press secretary.”
The incident further angered members of the White House press corps, many of whom have faced restrictions for reporting critically on the administration.
Fallout from the confrontation
The explosive confrontation between Trump and Zelensky raises questions about the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. While European leaders continue to push for a strong, coordinated response to Russia, Trump’s blunt demands for peace on his terms signal a dramatic shift in strategy.
As the dust settles, the world waits to see if this meeting will lead to a breakthrough in the war—or push Ukraine further into uncertainty.
