Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has clashed with U.S President Donald Trump and his Vice, JD Vance in an extraordinary exchange in the Oval Office.
Gatekeepers News reports that The meeting, intended to sign a mineral deal, solidify economic agreements, and discuss security assurances, devolved into a heated exchange on Friday.
During the clash, Trump told his Ukrainian counterpart to be “thankful” and accused him of “gambling with World War Three”.
Zelensky said there should be “no compromises” with Vladimir Putin – but Trump said Kyiv will have to make concessions to reach a deal with Russia.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion on Ukraine on 24 February, 2022.
Zelenskyy defended Ukraine’s stance against Russian aggression which led to an early termination of the meeting.
Zelenskyy was then told to leave the White House and a planned news conference was abruptly cancelled.
Both leaders have since taken to social media, with Trump saying Zelenskyy “can come back when he is ready for peace”.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has been replying to several European leaders who have shared their support of Ukraine
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has shared a message of support to Zelenskyy in the wake of a contentious meeting with Trump at the White House.
Ursula wrote on X on Friday night, “Your dignity honours the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President @ZelenskyyUa
“We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.”
Similarly, European leaders have rallied in support of Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, among others, have expressed solidarity with Zelenskyy, emphasizing their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and resilience.
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer has spoken with both Trump and Zelenskyy and that he “retains unwavering support for Ukraine”
