Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s White House talks collapsed into a tense confrontation, with the US president accusing his counterpart of “gambling with World War Three.”
Zelenskyy’s visit, aimed at securing a Russia ceasefire and potential mineral deal, ended abruptly with a planned agreement signing and press conference cancelled.
The 45-minute Oval Office meeting turned hostile in its final moments when Vice President JD Vance told Zelenskyy: “It’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media. You should be thanking the President for trying to bring an end to this conflict.”
As Zelenskyy attempted to respond, Trump declared: “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War Three.”
Trump added: “You’re not acting at all thankful. This is going to be great television.”
Zelenskyy challenged Trump’s softer stance towards Russian President, Vladimir Putin, urging “no compromises with a killer.”
Trump later wrote on Truth Social that Zelenskyy “is not ready for Peace if America is involved,” claiming the Ukrainian leader believes US support gives him “a big advantage in negotiations.”
A planned lunch was hastily abandoned, with untouched meals packed away.
