Trump and Vance Criticize Zelenskyy in Notable Oval Office Exchange
The president and vice president both expressed strong criticisms directed at the Ukrainian president.
TroibNews 
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Washington with hopes that finalizing a minerals deal favored by President Donald Trump would strengthen their relationship and secure U.S. support amid the ongoing war.
However, what unfolded was far from a warm welcome.
During a notably tense exchange in the Oval Office, both Trump and Vice President JD Vance confronted the beleaguered leader, accusing him of not showing enough appreciation for American assistance and of overstating his diplomatic position.
“You’ve done enough talking. You’re not winning this,” Trump said, raising his voice to Zelenskyy. “You have a damn good chance of coming out okay because of us.”
The tensions escalated more than 40 minutes into what began as a cordial discussion about the economic agreement between the two nations, along with vague reassurances from Trump about future U.S. support for Ukraine following the war with Russia. Ultimately, Zelenskyy left the White House earlier than planned, with the two leaders scrapping a press conference and the signing of the rare minerals deal framework.
Just before Zelenskyy’s departure, Trump posted on TruthSocial, “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,” adding, “I don’t want an advantage. I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
In contrast to his campaign assertions of quickly resolving the conflict, Trump now grapples with a more complex global situation while continuing to pressure Ukraine. He has shifted U.S. policy, moving away from the idea that defending Ukraine’s sovereignty is crucial for world stability.
This week, Russia's foreign minister indicated the Kremlin is not inclined to negotiate while making incremental gains in eastern Ukraine. Despite this, Trump has refrained from publicly criticizing Putin, instead adopting Moscow's narratives, such as opposing Ukraine's NATO ambitions and endorsing the false assertion that Ukraine initiated the conflict. It is critical to remember that Russia attacked Ukraine without provocation three years ago.
During the Friday meeting, Vance, who had remained silent for much of the discussion, objected to Zelenskyy's label of Putin as a “terrorist” and his appeal for American military support in front of the media.
“I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office, litigating in front of the American media,” Vance told Zelenskyy. “Right now, you guys are going around and forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems; you should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to this conflict.”
As tensions mounted, Trump, who had previously praised Ukraine’s bravery during the war and indicated potential security assurances from the U.S., grew more animated while Zelenskyy engaged with Vance. Vance dismissed Zelenskyy’s suggestion to visit the conflict zone as merely a “propaganda tour” aimed at securing continued Western financial assistance.
Zelenskyy cautioned Trump that, despite the “nice ocean” separating the U.S. from Europe, the consequences of Russia overtaking Ukraine would eventually affect America.
“Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel,” Trump shot back. “We’re trying to solve a problem.”
He added: “You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel. We’re going to feel very good and very strong.”
Zelenskyy found it challenging to respond as Trump and Vance criticized him for a perceived lack of gratitude and his decision to address the media during the meeting.
“Let’s go litigate those disagreements rather than trying to fight it out in the American media when you’re wrong,” Vance stated.
“You have to be thankful,” Trump admonished Zelenskyy, voicing frustration that the Ukrainian leader, whose country has resisted Russian advances for three years, was not more amenable to making compromises to swiftly bring about an end to the war. “You don't have the cards. You're buried there. You people are dying. You're running low on soldiers.”
Trump also reminded Zelenskyy of the Javelin missiles he provided to Ukraine during his presidency, contrasting that with the inaction of President Barack Obama following Russia’s 2014 invasion of Crimea.
“You’ve got to be more thankful, because, let me tell you, you don't have the cards. With us, you have the cards, but without us, you don't have any cards,” Trump said, suggesting that the primary roadblock to a peace agreement was Zelenskyy’s stance rather than Putin’s.
“It'll be a tough deal to make, because the attitudes have to change,” Trump warned. “You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. And I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.”
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
However, what unfolded was far from a warm welcome.
During a notably tense exchange in the Oval Office, both Trump and Vice President JD Vance confronted the beleaguered leader, accusing him of not showing enough appreciation for American assistance and of overstating his diplomatic position.
“You’ve done enough talking. You’re not winning this,” Trump said, raising his voice to Zelenskyy. “You have a damn good chance of coming out okay because of us.”
The tensions escalated more than 40 minutes into what began as a cordial discussion about the economic agreement between the two nations, along with vague reassurances from Trump about future U.S. support for Ukraine following the war with Russia. Ultimately, Zelenskyy left the White House earlier than planned, with the two leaders scrapping a press conference and the signing of the rare minerals deal framework.
Just before Zelenskyy’s departure, Trump posted on TruthSocial, “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,” adding, “I don’t want an advantage. I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
In contrast to his campaign assertions of quickly resolving the conflict, Trump now grapples with a more complex global situation while continuing to pressure Ukraine. He has shifted U.S. policy, moving away from the idea that defending Ukraine’s sovereignty is crucial for world stability.
This week, Russia's foreign minister indicated the Kremlin is not inclined to negotiate while making incremental gains in eastern Ukraine. Despite this, Trump has refrained from publicly criticizing Putin, instead adopting Moscow's narratives, such as opposing Ukraine's NATO ambitions and endorsing the false assertion that Ukraine initiated the conflict. It is critical to remember that Russia attacked Ukraine without provocation three years ago.
During the Friday meeting, Vance, who had remained silent for much of the discussion, objected to Zelenskyy's label of Putin as a “terrorist” and his appeal for American military support in front of the media.
“I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office, litigating in front of the American media,” Vance told Zelenskyy. “Right now, you guys are going around and forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems; you should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to this conflict.”
As tensions mounted, Trump, who had previously praised Ukraine’s bravery during the war and indicated potential security assurances from the U.S., grew more animated while Zelenskyy engaged with Vance. Vance dismissed Zelenskyy’s suggestion to visit the conflict zone as merely a “propaganda tour” aimed at securing continued Western financial assistance.
Zelenskyy cautioned Trump that, despite the “nice ocean” separating the U.S. from Europe, the consequences of Russia overtaking Ukraine would eventually affect America.
“Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel,” Trump shot back. “We’re trying to solve a problem.”
He added: “You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel. We’re going to feel very good and very strong.”
Zelenskyy found it challenging to respond as Trump and Vance criticized him for a perceived lack of gratitude and his decision to address the media during the meeting.
“Let’s go litigate those disagreements rather than trying to fight it out in the American media when you’re wrong,” Vance stated.
“You have to be thankful,” Trump admonished Zelenskyy, voicing frustration that the Ukrainian leader, whose country has resisted Russian advances for three years, was not more amenable to making compromises to swiftly bring about an end to the war. “You don't have the cards. You're buried there. You people are dying. You're running low on soldiers.”
Trump also reminded Zelenskyy of the Javelin missiles he provided to Ukraine during his presidency, contrasting that with the inaction of President Barack Obama following Russia’s 2014 invasion of Crimea.
“You’ve got to be more thankful, because, let me tell you, you don't have the cards. With us, you have the cards, but without us, you don't have any cards,” Trump said, suggesting that the primary roadblock to a peace agreement was Zelenskyy’s stance rather than Putin’s.
“It'll be a tough deal to make, because the attitudes have to change,” Trump warned. “You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. And I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.”
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
