Topics: Donald Trump, US News, Ukraine, World News, Politics
President Trump has issued a statement after chaotic footage showed him 'yelling' at President Volodymyr Zelinskyy during a press conference today, saying he's 'gambling with World War 3'.
Trump and Zelenskyy met at the White House's Oval Office earlier today (February 28), and to say it was eventful is certainly an understatement.
After being told he 'should be thanking the president', Zelenskyy questioned: "Have you ever been to Ukraine? Seen what problems we have? Come once."
Watch the moment unfold here:
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The Ukrainian president reflected on how 'during the war, everyone has problems' and just because they don't 'feel it now' doesn't mean the US won't in 'the future'.
The 47th POTUS then butted in, arguing he's 'trying to solve a problem' and saying Zelenskyy is in 'no position' to tell them 'what [they're] going to feel'.
Raising his voice, Trump continued: "You're in no position to dictate what we're going to feel. We're going to feel very good. We're going to feel very good and very strong.
"You're right now, not in a very good position, you've allowed yourself to be in a very bad position."
Trump added: "You don't have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards ... You're gambling with the lives of millions of people! You're gambling with World War Three! You're gambling with World War III. And what you're doing is very disrespectful to the country - this country."
The US president has since taken to his Truth Social account to address the tense Oval Office altercation.
He wrote: "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.”
The meeting in the Oval Office has received many reactions on social media.
One Twitter user said: "Jesus F**king Christ! Watching Trump yell and demean the Ukrainian President is completely disrespectful. What a disgrace."
"Vladimir is the only leader in the room!!" another added, a third simply put: "Embarrassing."
Vice President JD Vance also clashed with Zelenskyy, with Vance dubbing the Ukrainian president 'disrespectful'.
