This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
WASHINGTON – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky departed the White House before a scheduled, then canceled, press conference after a heated exchange in the Oval Office Friday.
The hot words developed when Zelensky asked U.S. President Trump to address Ukrainians' concerns about his perceived closeness to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump called the question "disrespectful" to a nation trying to secure peace between the two nations.
"I'm not aligned with Putin," Trump said. "I'm aligned with the United States of America."
Vice President J.D. Vance then weighed in, saying to Zelensky, "I think it's disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media. […] you should be thanking the president for trying to bring you into this conference."
He then bluntly asked the Ukrainian leader – whom Trump once called a dictator – "Mr. President, Do you disagree that you've had problems bringing people in your military, and 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?"
The full heated exchange included Trump demanding Zelensky not "Tell us how we'll feel" if there's no deal, and telling him "You don't have the cards" without the United States backing his country. Vance also accuses the embattled leader of being on a "publicity tour" who should be grateful for the Trump administration, despite campaigning for former Vice President Kamala Harris in a swing state last Fall.
Shortly afterward, President Trump posted on Truth Social:
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.
It is clear Zelensky came to provoke President Trump. He brought photos of dead Ukrainians, and made disapproving faces as President Trump spoke to the media in the Oval Office. No word yet on what this means for what the administration has called "the last yard" of U.S.-negotiated peace talks for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
