Trump: 'Zelensky disrespected the US in its cherished Oval Office'
US President Donald Trump has shared a statement after his meeting with Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky in the White House.
Here's his Truth Social post in full:
“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 Zelensky 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.”
Of course I want a ceasefire, but with guarantees - Zelensky
We're continuing to bring you fuller coverage of the angry exchange in the Oval Office between Trump and Zelensky. Scroll back through our last few posts for more.
"If you could get a ceasefire right now, I'd tell you to take it so the bullets stop flying,"
Trump says.
Zelensky says: "Of course I want to stop the war - "
Trump interrupts: "You say you don't want a ceasefire".
Zelensky says he wants a ceasefire deal with "guarantees".
He tells Trump to ask the Ukrainian people what they feel about a ceasefire deal.
Trump: It's very good for the American people to see this
"I think it's very good for the American people to see what's going on",
Trump says, adding: "That's why I've kept this going for so long."
He repeats that Zelensky "has to be thankful".
Zelensky replies that he's "very thankful".
Trump cuts in, voice raised: "People are dying, you're running low on soldiers".
Zelensky says: "I know."
Your country is in big trouble, repeats Trump
Continuing,
Trump tells Zelensky: "Your country is in big trouble."
The Ukrainian leader tries to interject put Trump waves his hands. "No, no, you've done a lot of talking", he says. "Your country is in big trouble," he repeats.
"I know, I know,"
Zelensky says.
"You're not winning this," says
Trump. "You have a damn good chance of coming out OK because of us."
The US president adds: "We gave you through this stupid president [a reference to Joe Biden] $350bn, we gave you military equipment... if you didn't have our military equipment this war would have been over in two weeks".
"In three days, I heard it from Putin,"
Zelensky replies.
"It's going to be very hard to do business like this,"
Trump says.
Media caption,
Watch moment Zelensky, Vance and Trump get into tense exchange
Vance to Zelensky: 'Have you said 'thank you' once this entire meeting?'
If you're just joining us, we've just watched a replay of the discussion in the White House between Trump and Zelensky, and are bringing you a more in-depth look at their remarks.
Trump accuses Zelensky of "gambling with World War Three". He points his finger at the Ukrainian leader.
"What you are doing is disrespectful to the country - this country that's backed you far more than a lot of people said they should have," Trump says.
Zelensky calmly interjects: "I'm with all respect for your country".
Vice-President
Vance interrupts: "Have you said 'thank you' once this entire meeting?"
Zelensky replies: "A lot of times".
Vance again says: "No, 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 USA and the president who is trying to save your country."
Zelensky tries to respond, saying: "Please, you think that if you will speak very loudly about the war..."
He's cut off by
Trump: "Your country is in big trouble".
The Ukrainian leader was told to leave the White House after an angry exchange with the US president.
www.bbc.co.uk
www.nbcnews.com
JMO.
