President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC ended abruptly after the two leaders engaged in a heated exchange over Russia’s war on Ukraine.
During the Oval Office meeting on Friday, Trump and his vice president, JD Vance, criticized Zelenskyy for being "disrespectful" and not adequately thanking the US for its support.
“You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people,” Trump shouted. “You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country.”
Zelenskyy, who was meeting with Trump to persuade him not to side with Russian President Vladimir Putin and to discuss potential US security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, told Trump there would be "no compromises with a killer on our territory."
As Zelenskyy left the White House shortly after the argument, Trump took to his Truth Social app to write that Zelenskyy was not "ready for peace if America is involved."
“He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace,” he added.
Zelenskyy later posted on X to thank the US for its support.
“Thank you POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that,” he wrote.
Here are some reactions from world leaders to the dispute:
Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Head of the Russian Security Council
Medvedev, a former Russian president, wrote on Telegram that Trump had given Ukraine a "strong slap on the wrist."
“For the first time, Trump told the cocaine clown the truth to his face: the Kyiv regime is playing with the third world war. And the ungrateful pig received a strong slap on the wrist from the owners of the pigsty. This is useful. But it’s not enough – we must stop military aid to the Nazi machine,” he said.
Kaja Kallas, European Union Foreign Policy Chief
Kallas said it was clear that "the free world needs a new leader."
“Ukraine is Europe! We stand by Ukraine,” she wrote on social media.
“We will step up our support to Ukraine so that they can continue to fight back against the aggressor. Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge.”
Emmanuel Macron, French President
Macron, speaking in Portugal, stated that Russia is the "aggressor" in the Ukraine war and Ukrainians are the "aggressed people."
“I think we were all right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago, and to continue to do so. We, that is the United States of America, the Europeans, the Canadians, the Japanese, and many others,” he said.
“We must thank all those who have helped and respect those who have been fighting since the beginning. Because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, their children, and the security of Europe. These are simple things, but they’re good to remember at times like these.”
Jonas Gahr Stoere, Norway Prime Minister
Stoere called the events at the White House "serious and disheartening."
“Ukraine still needs the US’s support, and Ukraine’s security and future are also important to the US and Europe. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has strong support in Ukraine, broad support in Europe, and he has led his people through a very demanding and brutal time, under attack from Russia. That Trump accuses Zelenskyy of gambling with World War III is deeply unreasonable and a statement I distance myself from,” he said in a statement to Norwegian TV2.
Margus Tsahkna, Estonia Foreign Minister
Tsahkna wrote on X that the only obstacle to peace is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s "decision to continue his war of aggression."
“If Russia stops fighting, there will be no war. If Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no Ukraine. Estonia’s support to Ukraine remains unwavering. Time for Europe to step up.”
Donald Tusk, Polish Prime Minister
“Dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone,” Tusk posted on X.
Pedro Sanchez, Spanish Prime Minister
“Ukraine, Spain stands with you,” Sanchez wrote on X.
Matteo Salvini, Italian Deputy Prime Minister
“Aim for PEACE, stop this war! Come on @realDonaldTrump,” Salvini wrote on X.
“Sweden stands with Ukraine. You are not only fighting for your freedom but also for all of Europe’s. Slava Ukraini!” he added.
Ursula von der Leyen, EU Commission President
Von der Leyen posted a message of solidarity with Zelenskyy: “Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless.”
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