Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a tense meeting in the Oval Office
President Donald Trump has issued a statement on his Truth Social site after an explosive meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday (28 February).
The pair – 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 Zelenskyy: “You don’t have the cards right now.
“With us, you start having cards… You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people! You’re gambling with World War III!”
Trump has since shared a statement online about the tense meeting, writing: “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.”
As the meeting took place on Friday, the pair could be seen in a heated exchange.
Trump could be heard telling the president of Ukraine: “You either make a deal or we are out.
“Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel.
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“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.”
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.”
The White House has also responded to the exchange, with Trump’s special assistant and communications adviser Margo Martin writing on X: “President Trump and Vice President Vance will always stand for America and those who respect our position in the world. America will never be taken advantage of.”
