President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in a tense exchange in the Oval Office on Friday that international media captured. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance also participated in the meeting, which initially aimed to discuss a key U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement.
Trump stated to Zelensky, referencing Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia, “You don’t have the cards right now.” Zelensky retorted, “We’re not playing cards.” The meeting featured each leader interrupting the other, and Trump later criticized Zelensky and Ukraine’s situation, while acknowledging the Biden administration’s support and funds for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.
Zelensky insisted that a cease-fire agreement without security guarantees from the U.S. would be insufficient and expressed distrust of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump responded by saying, “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people… on World War III and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country.”
Following their meeting and the intense exchange of words, Trump cancelled a planned press conference with Zelensky and stated on Truth Social that Zelensky “is not ready for Peace if America is involved.” He added, “He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
Leaders around the world have responded to the Oval Office confrontation with diverse reactions. Some have reiterated their support for Ukraine and denounced Russia’s actions. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Iceland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed their unwavering support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in their fight for sovereignty and democracy. European figures like Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Irish Tánaiste Simon Harris have also voiced their support, emphasizing the need for continued assistance for Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Conversely, Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán Viktor aligned with Trump’s stance, praising the former U.S. President’s stand for peace. The varied international reactions underline the complex geopolitical stakes and divisions that the conflict in Ukraine has engendered.
Source: https://time.com/7263291/zelensky-trump-oval-office-showdown-us-ukraine-world-leaders-react/
