During the meeting on February 28, Mr. Trump and Mr. Zelensky had a heated argument. The person who started the war of words was said to be Vice President JD Vance.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance (right cover) had a heated argument with Mr. Zelensky (left cover) at the White House on February 28 – Photo: REUTERS
On February 28, Ukrainian President Zelensky visited the White House to participate in talks with the United States on reaching an agreement on cooperation in mineral exploitation.
During the meeting, when Mr. Zelensky repeatedly mentioned and criticized Russian President Putin and the conflict in Ukraine, US Vice President Vance immediately spoke out in criticism.
Vice President JD Vance asserted that Mr Zelensky “disrespected the United States” and questioned whether Mr Zelensky had ever been grateful to the United States for its support for Ukraine.
“I think it’s disrespectful for you to go to the Oval Office and try to litigate the Russia issue in front of the American media,” Mr. Vance said. “You should thank President Trump for trying to end this conflict.”
“Did you say thank you once during the entire meeting? You should have said a few words of thanks to America and the president who is trying to save your country,” Mr. Vance said indignantly.
The statement is said to have caused an explosion in the American media, and is Mr. Vance’s most prominent moment since President Trump took office.
Mr. Vance’s words may have sparked a war of words and provoked Mr. Trump, causing the president to raise his voice and continue to criticize Mr. Zelensky: “You should be grateful to America. We have given you a lot. Right now, you have no cards in your hand.”
The war of words between Mr. Trump and Mr. Zelensky continued to explode, and the meeting eventually ended shortly after with Mr. Trump asking his advisers to convey his request for President Zelensky to leave the White House.
The meeting on February 28 once again affirmed Mr. Vance’s views and influence in foreign affairs, although previously the vice president was considered to be pale in comparison to billionaire Elon Musk in politics.
Senator Lindsey Graham was also impressed by Mr Vance’s explosive moment, writing on social media: “I am more proud than ever of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance – who stood up for America.”
Mr. Christopher McKnight Nichols, a professor of history at Ohio State University, said Mr. Vance’s remarks “showcased his role and his aggressive new approach to American diplomacy.”
