It all seemed to be going well. Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky met in the Oval Office, a moment meant to strengthen ties and push for peace. Cameras flashed as the two leaders exchanged pleasantries. They shook hands and smiled, projecting unity. Trump, ever the showman, made a lighthearted joke about Zelensky’s outfit, and the Ukrainian leader, a former comedian, took it in stride.
For the first 40 minutes, everything appeared smooth. Zelensky was in Washington to secure rare minerals deal and ensure continued US support for Ukraine. Given Trump’s recent comments calling him a “dictator” and his outreach to Russia, tensions were high. Still, the meeting started on a positive note.
Then, in an instant, everything changed.
Vice President JD Vance made a remark that lit the fuse. He accused Zelensky of not being "thankful" for the aid Ukraine had received from the US. Zelensky, arms crossed, asked if Vance had ever been to Ukraine. Vance shot back, calling Zelensky’s appeals “propaganda tours.”
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The mood in the room shifted. Trump, watching closely, saw an opening. When Zelensky warned that failing to support Ukraine would eventually impact the US, Trump’s temper flared.
“Don’t tell us what we are going to feel,” he snapped, his voice rising.
Then the floodgates opened.
All the tensions that had been simmering since Trump’s February call with Vladimir Putin erupted in full view of the press. Trump, red-faced and furious, accused Zelensky of risking global war. “You’re gambling with the lives of millions,” he thundered. “What you’re doing is very disrespectful.”
His anger boiled over, and in a dramatic moment, he wagged his finger at Zelensky and even gave his arm a light shove. Zelensky tried to respond, but Trump cut him off. “No, no, you’ve done a lot of talking. Your country is not winning.”
Then, in a stunning turn, Trump voiced sympathy for Putin. “Let me tell you, Putin went through a hell of a lot with me,” he said, referencing past investigations into Russian interference in US elections.
Reporters scrambled to capture every word, their fingers tapping on phones, cameras rolling. A Ukrainian diplomat buried her head in her hands, realizing the gravity of the moment.
Finally, Trump delivered an ultimatum. “You’re either going to make a deal, or we’re out.”
With that, the meeting ended. Zelensky, looking tense, abruptly left the White House. The planned minerals deal signing was canceled.
In Moscow, the Kremlin celebrated, praising Trump’s "restraint" and mocking Zelensky.
As for Trump, the lifelong showman couldn’t help but comment as the chaos wrapped up. “This is going to be great television,” he said with a smirk.
And just like that, a meeting meant to forge unity had turned into a spectacle, leaving the fate of Ukraine hanging in the balance.
