President Zelenskyy has defiant response after being accused of not saying ‘thank you’ during Trump meeting
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, Social Media, US News, World News
Mia Williams
Featured Image Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, Social Media, US News, World News
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded after being accused of not saying ‘thank you’ during a recent meeting with Donald Trump.
The world leaders met at the Oval Office on Friday (28 February) to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine and how the countries can arrive at a peace agreement.
But things quickly turned sour during the discussion, as Zelenskyy was accused of not being thankful enough to America for the resources and funds the country has given Ukraine throughout the conflict.
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The president of Ukraine seemingly found it hard to speak during the meeting with Trump and his vice president, JD Vance, and was accused of being 'disrespectful'.
"You're gambling with millions of people seeing you gambling with World War Three. You're gambling with World War Three," 78-year-old Republican leader told Zelenskyy.
The attack continued, as Vance said: "In this entire meeting, have you said thank you?
"You went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October, offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who's trying to save your country."
Trump added: "People are dying … you're running low on soldiers."
Following the heated exchange, the US president took to Truth Social to write: "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."
Soon after the confrontations ended and Zelenskyy left the White House, he took to social media to thank every leader who had spoken out in support of Ukraine.
He even addressed Trump, as he posted: "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."
After his visit to America on Friday, Zelenskyy then travelled to the UK, where Keir Starmer was hosting a summit for European leaders.
Following this, the Ukrainian president posted again, adding: "We see clear support from Europe. Even more unity, even more willingness to cooperate.
"Everyone is united on the main issue - for peace to be real, we need real security guarantees. And this is the position of all of Europe."
Referring to the US, Zelenskyy added: "Of course, we understand the importance of America, and we are grateful for all the support we’ve received from the United States.
"There has not been a day when we haven’t felt gratitude."