Zelenskyy said that Russia had broken cease-fire agreements multiple times in the past, and criticized Vance’s argument of pushing for diplomacy. Vance said in response that it’s “disrespectful” for the Ukrainian leader to “come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media,” and said Zelenskyy wasn’t showing gratitude for America’s help.
Trump also said that Zelenskyy was “gambling with World War III,” and that he stood to lose U.S. support.
White House officials said that Zelenskyy was asked to leave the White House following the tense meeting.
Trump later said on social media that Zelenskyy is not yet ready for peace with Russia, and that the Ukrainian leader could return when “he is ready for Peace.”
Zelenskyy said on social media after the meeting that he is thankful to the United States for its help.
“Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that,” he said.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly also commented on the issue, saying an agreement for Ukraine must include security guarantees to dissuade Russia and China from invading other countries.
“We know that a bad deal would be bad for many countries, but particularly would be an opportunity for President Putin to take advantage of the U.S., and of European allies, and us,” Joly told reporters in Vancouver.
“That’s why we'll continue to engage. We have agreed with the U.S. and with Europeans that we needed security guarantees for Ukraine. How we will define these security guarantees is at the core of the diplomatic conversations we’re having.”
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre also commented on the incident, saying he will “stand with Ukraine in its defence against Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion.”
