Watch the video: Trump and Zelenskyy argue in the Oval Office
A heated argument broke out Friday in the Oval Office between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance over U.S. negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine three years after Russia invaded and whether Russia could be trusted to uphold a ceasefire.
As tempers flared Zelenskyy told Trump an ocean separates the U.S. from the conflict now, "but you will feel it in the future." You can watch the video of the tense exchange above this story.
"You're in no position to dictate what we're going to feel," Trump responded. "We are going to feel very good and very strong. You're right now not in a very good position ... You're not in a good position. You don't have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards."
Trump continued: "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, this country."
Asked to leave
After the exchange in the Oval Office, which took place in front of the media, Zelenskyy was asked to leave the White House before signing the “economic partnership” deal he had travelled 5,000 miles for. Trump has asked for access to Ukraine's rare Earth minerals as a way for the country to recoup the aid it has sent to Ukraine.
The exchange has left U.S. support for Ukraine in doubt for the first time since the war began. Trump told reporters later in the day that Zelenskyy "overplayed his hand" and can come back when he's "ready for peace."
Appearing on MSNBC, Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., who attended a meeting senators had with Zelenskyy beforehand, said the argument was a "complete and utter mess." Kelly said the exchange was a "gift to Putin" that makes the U.S. look weak.
In dueling interviews later that evening, Zelenskyy declined in a Fox News interview to apologize to Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanded an an apology from Zelenskyy on CNN for "wasting our time."
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