In a tense and revealing White House meeting, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance confronted Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky over his approach to the ongoing war, urging him to show gratitude instead of pressing demands.
Vance, unimpressed with Zelensky’s tone, called him out directly: “Have you said thank you once this entire meeting?” He criticised the Ukrainian leader for coming into the Oval Office and “forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems.”
Zelensky attempted to push back, questioning whether Vance had ever been to Ukraine. But Vance was unrelenting, accusing him of bringing people on “propaganda tours” and challenging him on Ukraine’s struggles to recruit soldiers. “Do you think 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.
Trump was equally direct, dismissing Zelensky’s warnings that the U.S. would eventually feel the impact of the war. “Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. We’re trying to solve a problem,” Trump snapped. When Zelensky insisted he was merely answering questions, Trump cut him off: “You’re in no position to dictate that, remember that.”
Trump then called out Ukraine’s weak position in the conflict. “You’re right now not in a very good position. You’ve allowed yourself to be in a very bad position,” he stated. As Zelensky objected that he wasn’t playing political games, Trump hit back: “Yeah, you’re playing cards. You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III.”
Vance further pressed Zelensky, reminding him of his past political interference in U.S. elections. “You went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October. Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who’s trying to save your country.” Zelensky feebly complained about Vance’s tone, but Trump dismissed the complaint outright.
As negotiations continued, Trump made it clear that Zelensky’s leverage was limited. “Your country is in big trouble,” he said bluntly, reinforcing that the path to peace required Ukraine to accept hard realities rather than making demands.
The meeting underscored Trump’s determination to bring the war to an end, pushing for a peace deal that would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources in exchange for the aid it has received. With Trump working on a trilateral agreement involving Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S., he made it clear that this would be a tough negotiation, not a “love match.”
Zelensky left Washington without securing additional commitments, instead facing sharp criticism for his lack of gratitude and failure to recognise the reality of Ukraine’s situation.
Click to view video
Click to view video
Daily Telegraph New Zealand (DTNZ) is an independent news website, first published in October 2021. - where this article was sourced.
Zelensky attempted to push back, questioning whether Vance had ever been to Ukraine. But Vance was unrelenting, accusing him of bringing people on “propaganda tours” and challenging him on Ukraine’s struggles to recruit soldiers. “Do you think 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.
Trump was equally direct, dismissing Zelensky’s warnings that the U.S. would eventually feel the impact of the war. “Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. We’re trying to solve a problem,” Trump snapped. When Zelensky insisted he was merely answering questions, Trump cut him off: “You’re in no position to dictate that, remember that.”
Trump then called out Ukraine’s weak position in the conflict. “You’re right now not in a very good position. You’ve allowed yourself to be in a very bad position,” he stated. As Zelensky objected that he wasn’t playing political games, Trump hit back: “Yeah, you’re playing cards. You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III.”
Vance further pressed Zelensky, reminding him of his past political interference in U.S. elections. “You went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October. Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who’s trying to save your country.” Zelensky feebly complained about Vance’s tone, but Trump dismissed the complaint outright.
As negotiations continued, Trump made it clear that Zelensky’s leverage was limited. “Your country is in big trouble,” he said bluntly, reinforcing that the path to peace required Ukraine to accept hard realities rather than making demands.
The meeting underscored Trump’s determination to bring the war to an end, pushing for a peace deal that would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources in exchange for the aid it has received. With Trump working on a trilateral agreement involving Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S., he made it clear that this would be a tough negotiation, not a “love match.”
Zelensky left Washington without securing additional commitments, instead facing sharp criticism for his lack of gratitude and failure to recognise the reality of Ukraine’s situation.
Click to view video
Click to view video
Daily Telegraph New Zealand (DTNZ) is an independent news website, first published in October 2021. - where this article was sourced.
3 comments:
And as usual the rest of the world does not hear the sense of what they said and pledge their support for the sinking ship.
As a US citizen, I’m still in shock by the utterly despicable performance of Trump and Vance. I never thought I’d see the President of the US behave this way. The only winner here is Russia. It’s a shame DTNZ is so willing to take Russia’s side in this conflict.
It was good to see. I want a Prime Minister who is as assertive with respect of New Zealand's interests. I have had quite enough of woke White weaklings. I am toying of voting for the Maori Party.
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