President Donald Trump released a statement on social media in the aftermath of a heated exchange that turned into a shouting match between Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday at the Oval Office.
“We had a very meaningful meeting at the White house today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure,” Trump said in his statement. “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.”
Trump noted that the time has come for the war to end and to have peace restored.
“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,” he added.
The war between Ukraine and Russia has just passed its third year, after Russian troops attacked Ukraine’s capital Kyiv on February 24, 2022. Russian President Valdmir Putin had claimed that the attacks were to keep Russian speakers safe, and noted the Ukraine’s push to join NATO was a “hostile act,” according to USA Today.
During the exchange in the Oval Office, Trump told reporters it was difficult to come to an agreement with someone who has a lot of “hatred.”
“You see the hatred he’s got for Putin, it’s very tough for me to make a deal with that kind of hate,” Trump told reporters. “He’s got tremendous hatred. And I understand that, but I can tell you, the other side isn’t exactly in love with, you know, with him either. So, it’s not a question of alignment, I’m aligned with the world. I wanna get the thing set. I’m aligned with Europe. I wanna see if we can get this thing done.”
“You want me to be tough, I can be tougher than any human being you’ve ever seen, I’d be so tough. But you’re never going to get a deal that way, so that’s the way it goes,” he said.
The meeting took a turn for the worse, however, after Zelenskyy implied the U.S. would “feel it in the future” after Vance pressed him about Ukraine’s struggle to continue fighting effectively, citing manpower issues.
“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.”
