President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Friday during a White House meeting ostensibly devoted to a new mineral deal.
“Do you think that 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 Zelensky. “Right now you guys are going around and forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems.
“You should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to this conflict,” Vance added, noting that Zelensky was “forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems.”
“During war, everybody has problems, even you, but you have a nice ocean and don’t feel now, but you will feel it in the future,” Zelensky said.
Zelensky then invited Vance to visit Ukraine, and Vance accused Zelensky of embarking on propaganda tours.
“You don’t know that,” Trump said, cutting in as Zelensky continued to try to interrupt. “Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. … You’re in no position to dictate what we are going to feel. We are going to feel very good. … You’re right now 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.”
“You don’t have the cards right now,” Trump added. “With us you start having cards. You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country.”
Vance then cut in, asking Zelensky if he had said “thank you” at all during the meeting.
“You went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October,” Vance said. “Offer some words of appreciation to the United States of America and the president who is trying to save your country.”
.@VP: “Do you think that 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?”@POTUS: “You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards … You’re… pic.twitter.com/iTYyAmfuCJ
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 28, 2025
Zelensky responded by accusing Vance of speaking “very loudly,” at which point Trump cut in to defend Vance.
“Your country is in big trouble,” Trump said.
“I know,” said Zelensky.
The two began arguing about the billions of dollars and military equipment the United States provided to Ukraine.
“It’s going to be a very hard thing to do business like this,” Trump said.
Vance then suggested it would have been better to litigate the disagreements in a meeting, rather than in front of reporters.
“I think that it’s good for the American people to see what’s going on. That’s why I kept this going so long,” Trump said. “You have to be thankful, you don’t have the cards.”
“I am very thankful,” Zelensky said.
Trump said that “attitudes have to change” adding that the heated exchange is “great television.”
The meeting began on less fiery terms, with Trump assuring reporters that his recent tensions with Zelensky — most notably when Trump referred to Zelensky as a “dictator” — had “worked out great.”
Trump added that he had “very good discussions” with Russian President Vladimir Putin and that he’s going to try to bring the war “to a close.” He also called Ukrainian soldiers “unbelievably brave” and said he gives credit to Ukrainian generals.
“I hope I’m going to be remembered as a peacemaker,” Trump said. “This would be a great thing if we can do this. I’m doing this to save lives more than anything else. Second, to save money, but I consider that to be far less important.”
Zelenskyy showed photos of malnourished Ukrainian prisoners of war who returned from Russian captivity.
Trump also said that the United States would continue to send arms to Ukraine, but said “hopefully we won’t have to send much, because I’m looking forward to getting [the war] done quickly.”
Prior to arriving at the White House, Zelensky met with a bipartisan group of senators where they discussed military assistance for Ukraine and ending the war. He is expected to do an event with the Hudson Institute at 4:00 p.m.
When greeting Zelensky to the White House as he exited his car, Trump quipped “he’s all dressed up today!” Zelensky was wearing a black sweater and baggy black pants.
President Trump greets President Zelensky at the White House.
“He’s all dressed up today!” Trump said about Zelensky who is wearing a black sweater and baggy pants.
— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) February 28, 2025
Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also present at the White House during the meetings.
Speaking on Fox News on Wednesday, Rubio said the mineral deal is good for both the Ukraine and the United States because the deal helps pay back the United States for its support of Ukraine, helps develop the Ukrainian economy, and could create a deterrent for aggression against Ukraine.
“The security guarantee is that the United States is now a partner with the Ukrainians in something important,” Rubio said. “What Ukraine needs — people keep using the term ‘security guarantees.’ What Ukraine needs really is a deterrent. They need to make it costly for anyone to come after them again in the future.”