President Donald Trump and VP JD Vance tore Volodymyr Zelensky to shreds after the Ukrainian leader started complaining in front of the media about America’s help in brokering a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia to end the war.
The three men clashed during a White House meeting on Friday.
The meeting was devoted to a new mineral deal that would repay American taxpayers for helping Ukraine’s war effort.
However, while the world’s media looked on, Zelensky started demanding answers from Trump and Vance about how they planned to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “aggression.”
Zelensky’s comments enraged both Trump and Vance, who blasted the Ukrainian president over his lack of respect.
“Do you think that it’s respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country?” Vance asked Zelensky.
“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,” Vance added.
“During war, everybody has problems, even you, but you have a nice ocean and don’t feel now, but you will feel it in the future,” Zelensky said.
“Don’t tell us what we’re gonna feel,” Trump warned Zelensky.
Trump then told Zelensky that he doesn’t “have he cards” to be making demands.
Zelensky then invited Vance to visit Ukraine.
However, Vance shot back by accusing Zelensky of embarking on propaganda tours.
“You don’t know that,” Trump said, cutting in as Zelensky continued to try to interrupt.
“Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel.
“You’re in no position to dictate what we are going to feel.
“We are going to feel very good.
“You’re right now not in a very good position.
“You’ve allowed yourself to be in a very bad position, and [Vance] happens to be right about it.”
“You don’t have the cards right now,” Trump added.
“With us you start having cards.
“You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people.
“You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country.”
Vance then cut in, asking Zelensky if he had said “thank you” at all during the meeting.
“You went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October,” Vance said.
“Offer some words of appreciation to the United States of America and to the president who is trying to save your country.
Zelensky responded by accusing Vance of speaking “very loudly,” at which point Trump cut in to defend Vance.
“Your country is in big trouble,” Trump said.
“I know,” said Zelensky.
WATCH:
The two began arguing about the billions of dollars and military equipment American taxpayers have provided to Ukraine.
“It’s going to be a very hard thing to do business like this,” Trump said.
Vance then suggested it would have been better to litigate the disagreements in a meeting rather than in front of reporters.
“I think that it’s good for the American people to see what’s going on,” Trump said.
“That’s why I kept this going so long.
“You have to be thankful, you don’t have the cards.”
“I am very thankful,” Zelensky said.
Trump said that “attitudes have to change,” adding that the heated exchange is “great television.”
.@VP: "Do you think that it's respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country?"@POTUS: "You don't have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards … You're… pic.twitter.com/iTYyAmfuCJ
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 28, 2025
The meeting began on less fiery terms, however.
Trump assured reporters that his recent tensions with Zelensky had “worked out great.”
Trump added that he had “very good discussions” with Putin and that he’s going to try to bring the war “to a close.”
He also called Ukrainian soldiers “unbelievably brave” and said he gives credit to Ukraine’s military leaders.
“I hope I’m going to be remembered as a peacemaker,” Trump said.
“This would be a great thing if we can do this.
“I’m doing this to save lives more than anything else.
“Second, to save money, but I consider that to be far less important.”
Zelensky then showed photos of malnourished Ukrainian prisoners of war who returned from Russian captivity.
Trump also said that the United States would continue to send arms to Ukraine.
However, Trump said that “hopefully we won’t have to send much, because I’m looking forward to getting [the war] done quickly.”
Before arriving at the White House, Zelensky met with a bipartisan group of senators.
In the meeting, they discussed military assistance for Ukraine and ending the war.
Zelensky is also expected to do an event with the Hudson Institute at 4:00 p.m.
When greeting Zelensky to the White House as he exited his car, Trump quipped, “he’s all dressed up today!”
Zelensky had failed to wear a suit for his visit to the White House to meet with the president and VP and, instead, wore a black sweater and baggy black pants.
WATCH:
President Trump greets President Zelensky at the White House.
“He’s all dressed up today!” Trump said about Zelensky who is wearing a black sweater and baggy pants.
— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) February 28, 2025
Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also present at the White House during the meetings.
Speaking on Fox News on Wednesday, Rubio said the mineral deal is good for both Ukraine and the United States.
Rubio explained that the deal helps pay back the United States for its support of Ukraine and helps develop the Ukrainian economy.
The deal could create a deterrent for aggression against Ukraine.
“The security guarantee is that the United States is now a partner with the Ukrainians in something important,” Rubio said.
“What Ukraine needs — people keep using the term ‘security guarantees.’
“What Ukraine needs, really, is a deterrent.
“They need to make it costly for anyone to come after them again in the future.”
