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I can't remember a meeting between heads of state being so heated as today's meeting with Volodomyr Zelenskyy, President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance. The meeting devolved into Trump making the point that Zelenskyy never thanked the US for all the money and weapons we gave Ukraine, and this was backed up by Vance.
I felt as if there was too much transparency at this meeting, ostensibly aimed at working on a new mineral deal with Ukraine.
“Do you think that it’s respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country?” Vance asked Zelenskyy. “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,” the Vice President added, noting that Zelenskyy was “forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems.”
“During war, everybody has problems, even you, but you have a nice ocean and don’t feel now, but you will feel it in the future,” Zelenskyy replied.
Zelenskyy then invited Vance to visit Ukraine, and Vance accused Zelenskyy of embarking on propaganda tours, which of course they are.
“You don’t know that,” Trump said, cutting in as Zelenskyy continued to try to interrupt. “Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. … You’re in no position to dictate what we are going to feel. We are going to feel very good. … You’re right now not in a very good position. You’ve allowed yourself to be in a very bad position and [Vance] happens to be right about it.”
“You don’t have the cards right now,” Trump added. “With us you start having cards. You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country.”
Vance then cut in, asking Zelenskyy if he had said “thank you” at all during the meeting. It was like he was speaking on behalf of the average American whose money went to fund Ukraine's war with Russia and also his way of supporting Trump.
“You went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October,” Vance said. “Offer some words of appreciation to the United States of America and the president who is trying to save your country.”
Zelenskyy responded by accusing Vance of speaking “very loudly,” at which point Trump cut in to defend Vance.
“Your country is in big trouble,” Trump said.
“I know,” Zelenskyy agreed.
The two began arguing about the billions of dollars and military equipment the United States provided to Ukraine.
“It’s going to be a very hard thing to do business like this,” Trump said.
Vance then suggested it would have been better to litigate the disagreements in a meeting, rather than in front of reporters, which is true. There are some things that should go on behind closed doors and the way Zelenskyy was embarrassed, this was one of those times.
“I think that it’s good for the American people to see what’s going on. That’s why I kept this going so long,” Trump said. “You have to be thankful, you don’t have the cards.”
“I am very thankful,” Zelenskyy said.
Trump said that “attitudes have to change” adding that the heated exchange is “great television.”
“Do you think that it’s respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country?” Vance asked Zelenskyy. “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,” the Vice President added, noting that Zelenskyy was “forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems.”
“During war, everybody has problems, even you, but you have a nice ocean and don’t feel now, but you will feel it in the future,” Zelenskyy replied.
Zelenskyy then invited Vance to visit Ukraine, and Vance accused Zelenskyy of embarking on propaganda tours, which of course they are.
“You don’t know that,” Trump said, cutting in as Zelenskyy continued to try to interrupt. “Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. … You’re in no position to dictate what we are going to feel. We are going to feel very good. … You’re right now not in a very good position. You’ve allowed yourself to be in a very bad position and [Vance] happens to be right about it.”
“You don’t have the cards right now,” Trump added. “With us you start having cards. You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country.”
Vance then cut in, asking Zelenskyy if he had said “thank you” at all during the meeting. It was like he was speaking on behalf of the average American whose money went to fund Ukraine's war with Russia and also his way of supporting Trump.
“You went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October,” Vance said. “Offer some words of appreciation to the United States of America and the president who is trying to save your country.”
Zelenskyy responded by accusing Vance of speaking “very loudly,” at which point Trump cut in to defend Vance.
“Your country is in big trouble,” Trump said.
“I know,” Zelenskyy agreed.
The two began arguing about the billions of dollars and military equipment the United States provided to Ukraine.
“It’s going to be a very hard thing to do business like this,” Trump said.
Vance then suggested it would have been better to litigate the disagreements in a meeting, rather than in front of reporters, which is true. There are some things that should go on behind closed doors and the way Zelenskyy was embarrassed, this was one of those times.
“I think that it’s good for the American people to see what’s going on. That’s why I kept this going so long,” Trump said. “You have to be thankful, you don’t have the cards.”
“I am very thankful,” Zelenskyy said.
Trump said that “attitudes have to change” adding that the heated exchange is “great television.”
But is it wise diplomacy? Now both leaders are at loggerheads and neither one wants to give in.
The meeting began on less fiery terms, with Trump assuring reporters that his recent tensions with Zelenskyy — most notably when Trump referred to Zelenskyy as a “dictator” — had “worked out great.”
Trump added that he had “very good discussions” with Russian President Vladimir Putin and that he’s going to try to bring the war “to a close.” He also called Ukrainian soldiers “unbelievably brave” and said he gives credit to Ukrainian generals.
“I hope I’m going to be remembered as a peacemaker,” Trump said. “This would be a great thing if we can do this. I’m doing this to save lives more than anything else. Second, to save money, but I consider that to be far less important.”
Trump also said that the United States would continue to send arms to Ukraine, but said “hopefully we won’t have to send much, because I’m looking forward to getting [the war] done quickly.” Hopefully, Zelenskyy will get the hint.
Prior to arriving at the White House, Zelenskyy met with a bipartisan group of senators where they discussed military assistance for Ukraine and ending the war. He is expected to do an event with the Hudson Institute at 4:00 p.m.
When greeting Zelenskyy to the White House as he exited his car, Trump quipped “he’s all dressed up today!” Zelenskyy was wearing a black sweater and baggy black pants.
Zelenskyy left the meeting without signing the mineral deal.
The meeting began on less fiery terms, with Trump assuring reporters that his recent tensions with Zelenskyy — most notably when Trump referred to Zelenskyy as a “dictator” — had “worked out great.”
Trump added that he had “very good discussions” with Russian President Vladimir Putin and that he’s going to try to bring the war “to a close.” He also called Ukrainian soldiers “unbelievably brave” and said he gives credit to Ukrainian generals.
“I hope I’m going to be remembered as a peacemaker,” Trump said. “This would be a great thing if we can do this. I’m doing this to save lives more than anything else. Second, to save money, but I consider that to be far less important.”
Trump also said that the United States would continue to send arms to Ukraine, but said “hopefully we won’t have to send much, because I’m looking forward to getting [the war] done quickly.” Hopefully, Zelenskyy will get the hint.
Prior to arriving at the White House, Zelenskyy met with a bipartisan group of senators where they discussed military assistance for Ukraine and ending the war. He is expected to do an event with the Hudson Institute at 4:00 p.m.
When greeting Zelenskyy to the White House as he exited his car, Trump quipped “he’s all dressed up today!” Zelenskyy was wearing a black sweater and baggy black pants.
Zelenskyy left the meeting without signing the mineral deal.
That seems to suck for both countries, but mostly for Ukraine.
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