President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy got into a heated debate Friday in the Oval Office, after the latter was called out on not showing enough appreciation toward the U.S. and the aid that has been provided to the Ukraine in their war against Russia.
Vance told Zelenskyy that he was not working toward peace and was standing in the way of bringing about the end of the war that has cost lives and billions of American taxpayer dollars.
“I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that will end in the destruction of your country,” Vance said.
Zelenskyy then tried to interrupt Vance but was cut off by the vice president.
“Mr. President with respect, I think its disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media. Right now, you guys are going around a forcing conscript to the front lines because you have manpower problems. You should be thanking the president,” Vance said.
Zelenskyy, seemingly flustered by the exchanged, questioned whether Vance really know what is going on in Ukraine.
“Have you ever been to Ukraine that you say what problems we have. You come once,” Zelenskyy told Vance.
“I’ve actually watched and seen the stories, and I know happens is you bring people, you bring them on a propaganda tour Mr. President, do you disagree that you’ve had problems bringing people into your military,” Vance asked.
“What?” Zelenskyy said.
Vance then called out the besieged president for attacking the Trump administration.
“Do you think its 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 said.
Zelenskyy implied that the U.S. will be feeling their own problems in the future and noted that right now they are not because they are separated by oceans.
“We have problems, I will answer,” Zelenskyy said. “First of all, during the war, everybody has problems. even you, but you have nice ocean and don’t feel now, but you will feel it in the future.”
This raised the ire of Trump, who abruptly interrupted Zelenskyy and reminded him that Zelenskyy is not in the position he thinks he is.
“You don’t know that you don’t know that. 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” Trump said.
“I’m not telling you,” Zelenskyy interjected.
“Because you’re in no position to dictate that, remember you’re in no position to dictate what we’re gonna feel,” Trump said. “We’re gonna feel very good. We’re gonna feel very good and very strong. Right now, you’re 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.”
Zelenskyy attempted to interject but was once again told by Trump that he is not in a position to be dictating anything.
“You’re not in a good position; you don’t have the cards right now,” Trump said. “With us you start having cards … You’re playing cards. You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III, you’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful. Disrespectful to the country, this country, that’s backed you, far more than a lot of people said they should have.”
“Have you said thank you once?” Vance asked.
“A lot of times, even today,” Zelenskyy replied.
Vance then accused Zelenskyy of backing Trump’s opposition during the 2024 presidential election.
“No, in this entire meeting, you haven’t said thank you. 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 is trying to save your country,” Vance said.
