Zelenskyy went to Washington on February 28 to look for security guarantees from the US government as well as to discuss a proposed mineral agreement during Ukraine’s war with Russia.
His meeting with Donald Trump and JD Vance took a fiery turn, however.
Vance accused Zelenskyy of not showing gratitude to the US. He said: “I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media.”
Zelenskyy hit back by asking if Vance had visited Ukraine during the war before adding that America “will feel it in the future” with regards to the impact of war.
Trump then snapped back at the 47-year-old by saying: “Don’t tell us what we’re gonna feel… We’re trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us what we’re gonna feel.”
“You have to be thankful. You don’t have the cards. You’re buried there. Your people are dying. You’re running low on soldiers. I’ve empowered you to be a tough guy, and I don’t think you’d be a tough guy without the United States.”
Trump added that the Ukrainian leader was “gambling with millions of lives” and “World War III”.
Now, Elon Musk has spoke out. Taking to X, the billionaire shared right-wing influencer Benny Johnson’s post, who shared stats about Americans ‘trust in Zelensky’ which had fell from ‘72% to under 48%’.
Musk added “Zelensky [sic] damaged himself severely in the eyes of the public. Just a fact.”
CNBC reported that the meeting ended abruptly and that Zelenskyy was “kicked out” of the White House not long after.
Trump was asked if he had told the Ukrainian president to leave the White House to which POTUS responded “I don’t have to tell you that,” he replied. “I think you know the answer to that.”
After the meeting, the media asked Zelenskyy “Why don’t you wear a suit? You’re at the highest level in this country’s office, and you refuse to wear a suit. Do you own a suit?” to which he replied: “I will wear a suit after this war is over. Maybe something like yours. Maybe better, maybe cheaper.”
He was wearing an all-black military style outfit to the meeting with the US president.
As news of this meeting spread worldwide, celebs have been amongst those sharing their thoughts online.
Legendary actor Sir Michael Caine took to X, writing “Calm down Trump.”
Fans replied to his take on the situation, with one person writing “Epic comment from you, sir.” while another added “This is why you’re a national treasure,”.
Following the meeting, Trump and Zelenskyy shared statements on X.
Trump wrote: “We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE.”
“He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace,”
While Zelenskyy wrote: “Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
He also shared another post with Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier: “America’s help has been vital in helping us survive, and I want to acknowledge that. Despite the tough dialogue, we remain strategic partners. But we need to be honest and direct with each other to truly understand our shared goals.”
“It’s crucial for us to have President Trump’s support. He wants to end the war, but no one wants peace more than we do. We are the ones living this war in Ukraine. It’s a fight for our freedom, for our very survival,” he wrote.
Now, Trump has paused military aid for Ukraine to ensure the help is contributing to a solution for the war with Russia. It is not yet clear how long the pause will be.
