Ukraine President clashes with Trump, JD Vance at White House meeting, read full conversation

Washington: US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a tense exchange during a meeting at the White House, where Vice President JD Vance was also present. The discussion, held in front of the media, turned heated after Vance called for an end to the war through diplomacy.

Zelensky questioned what kind of diplomacy was being suggested, accusing Vance of being disrespectful.

Trump interjected, telling Zelensky he should be thankful that efforts were being made to end the war. “You are not in a position to dictate what we are feeling,” Trump said.

Vance also confronted Zelensky, asking whether it was appropriate for him to criticize an administration working to prevent destruction in Ukraine. In response, Zelensky said conflicts cause problems for everyone and warned that the US might feel the consequences in the future.

Trump reacted sharply, telling Zelensky not to explain what the US would feel, asserting that they were working on solving the problem.

“You don’t have anything left in your hand anymore,” Trump said. “You are playing with the lives of millions of people. You’re playing with World War III. What you are doing is very disrespectful to this country.”

The exchange highlighted growing tensions between Ukraine and the US, as discussions over the war’s future continue.