Trump-Zelensky spat: First public scuffle in the White House

The White House witnessed a sharp exchange between US President Donald Trump and his Vice President J.D. Vance, on the one hand, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on the other hand.

US President Donald Trump attacked his guest and Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, describing his statements as disrespectful, and warned him against refusing a ceasefire with Russia.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump gave Zelensky a choice between signing a deal on minerals or Washington withdrawing support for Kiev.

After the tense meeting, Trump said Zelensky could return to the White House when he was ready for peace. Trump said it was disrespectful for Zelensky to come to the White House and argue in front of the American media.

He asked him to show gratitude to the United States and thank it for standing up to Russia over the past years. Trump addressed his guest, saying, "You are not in a good position and you are gambling with starting World War III. You have to make a deal or we will withdraw."

Trump continued to berate and scold his guest, saying, "Your country is in trouble and you're not winning the war. What you're doing shows a lack of respect for the United States." The US president said that the Ukrainian president is suffering from a decrease in his soldiers in the battle and at the same time "you're telling us you don't want a ceasefire."

#Trump accused Zelensky of showing no respect for the United States, while the latter demanded security guarantees for his country.. A sharp argument between the American and Ukrainian presidents in the White House #News pic.twitter.com/ovhklzU4pw

— Al Jazeera Channel (@AJArabic) Trump: You don't know that. Don't tell us how we're going to feel. We're trying to solve a problem. Don't tell us how we're going to feel.

Zelensky: I'm not telling you, I'm responding...

Vance: That's exactly what you're doing...

Trump, raising his voice: You are not in a position to tell us how we are going to feel. And we are going to feel very comfortable and very strong.

Zelensky tries to interrupt him.

Trump: You're not in a very good position right now. You've put yourself in a very bad position. You don't have the cards right now. With us, you have the cards. You're risking the lives of millions of people, you're risking World War III, and what you're doing shows disrespect for this country.

Vance: Did you even say thank you once?

Zelensky: Several times.

Vance: No, I mean during this meeting, throughout this meeting, did you say thank you once? You went to Pennsylvania and you did an opposition campaign in October, and you didn't say one word of appreciation to the United States, express some gratitude to the United States of America and the president who is trying to save your country.

Zelensky: Yes, you think that if he spoke out loud about the war…

Trump: He doesn't talk too loud. Your country is in big trouble. No, I've talked too much. Your country is in big trouble.

Zelensky: I know that, I know that.

Trump: You're not winning, you have a good chance of coming out of this right thanks to us.

Zelensky: We have been maintaining our strength since the beginning of the war. We were alone and we said, and I said thank you.

Trump speaking simultaneously with Zelensky: You weren't alone, we provided you with military equipment. Your men are brave, but they had our military. If you hadn't had our military equipment, the war would have been over in two weeks, two days.

Zelensky: I heard it from Putin... within 3 days.

Trump: It would be very difficult to negotiate that way.

Vance: Say thank you.

Zelensky: I've said it many times.

Vance: I accept that there are differences, and let's resolve those differences instead of trying to get in front of the American media when you're wrong. And we know you're wrong.

Trump: Your people are dying, you are short on troops. Listen… then you tell us I want a ceasefire, I don’t want a ceasefire, I want to go, I want this and that” (…).

Trump: Don't act like you're grateful, that's not nice. I'll be honest, that's not nice. I think we've had enough. Good TV moment. What do you think?

Source: AFP + Al Jazeera