Following a heated debate regarding the future of Ukraine and the potential of the United States being involved in any form of "peace" agreement, both President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have issued statements.
Watch the heated moment unfold below:
Earlier today, the White House hosted Ukraine's President Zelenskyy for a high-profile meeting in what was expected to be a prelude to the two nations potentially signing a minerals deal, with President Trump pushing for US security assurances amid Russia's invasion of the European nation.
However, things became heated when Vice President Vance stated that President Zelenskyy had not offered any thanks during his visit and suggested that he was being disrespectful to the President of the United States.
" I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s gonna end the destruction of your country," Vance sharply told Zelenskyy at one point. " I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media."
Zelenskyy fired back and asked if Vance had ever been to Ukraine during the ongoing war, before stating that the US "will feel it in the future" with regards to the impact of war.
“ Don’t tell us what we’re gonna feel," Trump snapped back. "We’re trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us what we’re gonna feel."
"You're in no position to dictate that," Trump continued. "You're in no position to dictate what we're going to feel.
"We're going to feel very good and very strong.
"You're not in a very good position, you've allowed yourself to be in a bad position... you don't have the cards right now... you're gambling with the lives of millions of people! You're gambling with World War III!"
At one point, Trump tells Zelenskyy: "You either make a deal or we are out."
"You’re gambling with World War III and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country — this country," Trump stated.
The meeting then came to an end within minutes of Trump telling Zelenskyy: “You have to be thankful. You don’t have the cards. You’re buried there. Your people are dying. You’re running low on soldiers. I’ve empowered you to be a tough guy, and I don’t think you’d be a tough guy without the United States."
Shortly after the meeting and well ahead of the pre-planned schedule, Zelenskyy was seen leaving the White House in his official vehicle, BBC News reports.
Following the heated exchange, both presidents have issued statements.
Taking to Truth Social, President Trump wrote the following:
“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and 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 advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
Additionally, President Zelenskyy took to X to share the following statement: "Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people."
"Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that."
With no agreements reached, the full extent of the fallout from today's heated clash is yet to be seen.