Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appeared to have taken a step back to compose himself following a tense exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump.
By Saturday morning, Zelensky shared a detailed message on social media, acknowledging the complexities of achieving lasting peace in Eastern Europe without continued support from the United States.
The statement came in stark contrast to the heated interaction between the two leaders at the White House, which was broadcast live across the globe.
While their meeting had drawn widespread attention due to its intensity, Zelensky’s follow-up remarks carried a more measured and diplomatic tone, reflecting a shift from the charged atmosphere of the previous day.
The bilateral meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky quickly spiraled into chaos, turning into a contentious exchange within minutes.
As tensions escalated, Vice President J.D. Vance joined in, pressing Zelensky on his level of gratitude for the extensive aid the U.S. had provided during the war.
Despite the pressure, Zelensky defended both his military and the Ukrainian people. He pushed back by pointing out that the United States had not directly endured the devastating consequences of the war, a remark that visibly angered Trump.
In a stern response, Trump fired back, telling Zelensky, “You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards,” emphasizing that Ukraine’s position was dependent on American support. He further accused Zelensky of “gambling with the lives of millions of people” and “gambling with World War III,”
In the end … Trump send Zelensky home immediately after the meeting while the White House and a conference that was supposed to happen were all canceled.
Zelenskyy took to Fox News to express his thought after the meeting.
