Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Washington on Friday, hopeful that signing a deal on mineral resources with President Donald Trump would help strengthen ties and ensure continued U.S. support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Turns out he was walking into an ambush. What was intended as a diplomatic meeting turned into a tense confrontation.
During the meeting, both Trump and Vice President JD Vance turned on the embattled wartime leader during a remarkably tense exchange in the Oval Office on Friday. They accused Zelenskyy of lacking gratitude for U.S. support in the conflict and suggested that Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts were insufficient. Trump, raising his voice, told Zelenskyy, “You’ve done enough talking. You’re not winning this. You have a damn good chance of coming out okay because of us.”
The disagreement started after about 40 minutes of calm discussions about the economic deal. Tensions quickly escalated, leading to Zelenskyy leaving early, and the planned press conference and signing of the agreement were called off.
Before Zelenskyy’s departure, Trump posted a statement on TruthSocial, writing, “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 an advantage. I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
This shift in Trump’s position marks a significant change from his campaign, where he claimed he could end the war in Ukraine quickly. Now, Trump seems to be urging Ukraine to make concessions while distancing himself from the U.S. policy of supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, Russian officials have made it clear they are not interested in peace talks as Russia continues to advance in eastern Ukraine.
Vance, who had remained quiet during most of the meeting, spoke up when Zelenskyy criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy called Putin a “terrorist” and pushed for more U.S. military assistance.
Vance responded, “I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office, litigating in front of the American media. 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.”
As the argument continued, Trump became more animated. He told Zelenskyy, “Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. We’re trying to solve a problem.” He added, “You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel. We’re going to feel very good and very strong.” Both Trump and Vance expressed frustration that Zelenskyy was not more appreciative of U.S. support and criticized his decision to discuss the situation publicly.
Trump also reminded Zelenskyy of the U.S. military aid provided to Ukraine, including Javelin missiles, during Trump’s first term. “You’ve got to be more thankful, because, let me tell you, you don’t have the cards. With us, you have the cards, but without us, you don’t have any cards,” Trump said.
Trump went on to warn Zelenskyy that if Ukraine didn’t make a deal soon, the U.S. might withdraw its support. “It’ll be a tough deal to make, because the attitudes have to change,” Trump said. “You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. And I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.”
ZELENSKYY: Putin broke the ceasefire. What kind of diplomacy, JD, are you speaking about?
VANCE: I think it's disrespectful to come into the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media pic.twitter.com/P5Qjz1AGi5
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 28, 2025
The confrontation quickly went viral, and many internet users reacted strongly to the exchange.
“F*** JD Vance. Awful human,” one user wrote.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Trump starts sending weapons to Russia for the Ukrainian war at this point,” another user posted.
“JD just disgraced himself,” one commenter added.
“JD Vance is a Dumpster Trash,” another user stated.
“This is so bad, Trump and Vance acting absolutely ridiculous!” one person wrote.
One user commented, “Donald looks like a lunatic and his bodyguard JD is trying to save him. He expects people to come kiss his ass or it’s ‘disrespectful.'”
“I stand with Zelenskyy,” another user declared.
“Hey JD, I think it’s disrespectful to gaslight the American people,” one user replied.
“This is disgraceful from the US leadership,” someone else posted.
“JD Vance has embarrassed himself horribly in this exchange. Nothing of substance, just ego. While Zelenskyy is actually trying to address the words coming out of his mouth,” a user noted.
“Assholes Trump and Vance never had their country invaded by a hostile foreign country. The attack on Zelenskyy is disgraceful by Trump,” one user wrote.
“JD Vance is all about political posturing. This is an embarrassment,” another user stated.
“Zelenskyy schooled Trump and Vance on what real leadership looks like today!” one person wrote.
The confrontation between Zelenskyy, Trump, and V
The tense exchange has sparked widespread criticism of U.S. leadership online, with many accusing Trump and Vance of disrespecting Zelenskyy and Ukraine. Some internet users have gone further, accusing Trump and Vance of pushing Vladimir Putin’s agenda, suggesting that their actions align with the Kremlin’s interests.
