A high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy erupted into a heated exchange on Saturday (March 1, IST). The nearly 45-minute Oval Office meeting took a dramatic turn in its final moments when Zelenskyy, seeking firm US security commitments, clashed with Trump and Vance over America’s role in the conflict. 

Zelenskyy warned against trusting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s promises, citing Moscow’s history of broken agreements on the global stage.

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Vance, one of the administration’s most skeptical voices on US aid to Ukraine, interrupted Zelenskyy, saying, “Mr. President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media.” As Zelenskyy attempted to respond, Trump raised his voice, accusing him of “gambling with the lives of millions of people” and warning, “You’re gambling with World War III.”

Trump further criticised Zelenskyy, claiming Ukraine had received substantial US support and chided him for not expressing enough gratitude. “Have you said ‘thank you’ once?” Vance asked, echoing Trump’s frustration.

A joint press conference that was scheduled to be addressed by both the leaders after their meeting was cancelled following their encounter in the Oval Office. Zelenskyy leaf from the White House shortly after the meeting and reportedly without signing the minerals deal.

Following the meeting, Trump doubled down on his criticism, posting on Truth Social, “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 further accused Zelenskyy of disrespecting the US and stated, “He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”

(With inputs from agencies)