President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a statement after leaving The White House following a heated meeting with President Donald Trump.
Writing on X after the tense exchange on Friday (28 February), 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.”
Trump and Zelenskyy – along with Vice President JD Vance – met in the Oval Office where they discussed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In a clip shared online, Trump can be heard telling the Ukrainian president: “You either make a deal or we are out.
“Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel.
“We’re trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel, because you’re in no position to dictate that… You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel.
“We’re going to feel very good and very strong.
“You’re not in a very good position, you’ve allowed yourself to be in a bad position… you don’t have the cards right now… you’re gambling with the lives of millions of people! You’re gambling with World War III!“
The pair had a heated meeting (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
At one point, Vance interjected, asking the Ukrainian president: “In this entire meeting, have you 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’s trying to save your country.”
Trump added: “Your country is in big trouble. Wait a minute. No, no, you’ve done a lot of talking. Your country is in big trouble.”
It’s reported that Zelenskyy has now left The White House with a joint press conference now cancelled.
A press conference with the two leaders has now been cancelled (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Trump has since shared a statement online about the tense meeting, writing on his Truth Social platform: “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.”