The two had a contentious encounter on Friday, February 28.
After a tense meeting with President Donald Trump, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy left the White House and released a statement.
Together with Vice President JD Vance, Trump and Zelenskyy met in the Oval Office on Friday, February 28, to discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Trump is heard saying Zelenskyy, “You either make a deal or we are out,” in a video that has gone viral.
“Don’t predict our feelings for us.
“We’re attempting to resolve an issue. You are not in a position to prescribe how we should feel, so don’t tell us. You have no right to tell us how we should feel.
“We’re going to feel great and powerful.
“You’ve put yourself in a horrible situation, so you’re not in a very good one. You don’t currently have the cards. You are risking millions of people’s lives! World War III is a gamble for you!
Vance interrupted at one point, asking the Ukrainian president, “Have you expressed gratitude throughout this entire meeting?
“In October, you traveled to Pennsylvania to campaign for the opposition. Please express gratitude to the United States of America and the president who is working to save your nation.”
“Your country is in big trouble,” Trump continued. Hold on a second. No, you have spoken a great deal. Your nation is in serious jeopardy.
Zelenskyy reportedly fled the White House when a joint press conference was canceled.
“Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit,” Zelenskyy wrote on X following the heated conversation. Thank you to the American people, Congress, and @POTUS.
“We are working specifically to bring about the just and lasting peace that Ukraine needs.”
“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform in a statement regarding the contentious discussion. Under such strain and fire, a lot was learned that would never be understood without dialogue. I have concluded that President Zelenskyy is not prepared for peace if America is involved because he believes our engagement offers him a significant edge in negotiations. It’s remarkable what comes out through passion.
“I desire peace, not advantage. He disregarded the beloved Oval Office of the United States of America. When he is ready for peace, he can return.