In a tense Oval Office exchange, U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance confronted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over continued American aid to Ukraine. The meeting, originally planned to discuss economic assistance and post-war reconstruction, quickly turned into a heated debate, with Trump accusing Zelenskyy of lacking gratitude for U.S. support.
During the discussion, Trump reportedly told Zelenskyy, “You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country.” The sharp remarks underscored growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv, as the Biden-era commitments to Ukraine are being re-evaluated under the new administration.
Vice President Vance also criticized Zelenskyy for making public statements about U.S. policies, arguing that such actions undermine diplomatic efforts. The disagreement led to the cancellation of a scheduled press conference, and Zelenskyy left the White House earlier than planned.
The confrontation has sparked reactions globally, with European leaders reaffirming their support for Ukraine. Many international observers worry about the implications for the ongoing war and Ukraine’s future stability without clear U.S. backing.