U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky got into an unusually heated exchange in the Oval Office on Friday, as Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance berated Ukraine’s leader for being ungrateful and pressured him to make a deal with Russia, only to be met with a spirited response.
Trump told Zelensky, the president of a country that has been successfully withstanding an invasion by a nuclear superpower for just over three years, that without (wildly inflated) U.S. assistance, Ukraine would have disappeared in about two weeks.
“Or three days, yes, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin said the exact same thing,” said Zelensky, concisely homing in on exactly the problem Ukraine faces when one of its larger defense and financial backers suddenly switches sides in the middle of a war.
Zelensky came to Washington on Friday with a lot of baggage, a large dose of humility, a spartan wardrobe, and hopes that Trump’s apparent turn toward the Kremlin was a passing fad. He was sorely disabused of that when he sat down with Trump and his advisors in the Oval Office in front of news cameras.
token-black-dude on
Trump just sided with Russia against freedom and democracy. This is the most thug-like, anyone alive has seen an american president act. Just complete mobster mentality.
_threadz_ on
An absolute ambush by Trump/Vance. Tough to believe it wasn’t planned this way. I can’t believe this is what the US has become. We’re seriously siding with Russia. So, so disheartening.
antosme on
Those who are surprised, I think, have not understood what is happening and the world we are heading towards…
Alarmed_Mistake_9999 on
I am officially ashamed to be an American. Trump and Vance are such bullies, sociopaths. They can rot in hell as far as I am concerned. Might as well have told Churchill to make a peace deal in 1940.
Meanwhile Marco Rubio sits there in silence. If I had any ounce of dignity I would quit right now.
SpartanOf2012 on
Watching the entire stream and focusing specifically on the line of questions asked to Zelensky by reporters and how Trump and Vance whipped themselves into a faux fury towards the end, its clear this was a pre-determined conclusion to this meeting from this administration. The questions were meant to belittle and disrespect Zelensky on both a political and personal level to goad him into a slip up that they could pounce on to justify the concluding scene.
While its just happened, it seems the end goal of this meeting from the Trump administration was to begin the process of pulling out all support from Ukraine. “If you don’t take this deal, you’ll have to fight it out without us” was said and alluded to multiple times in the stream, more or less confirming this was on their mind from the beginning. Turning this move into “good TV” wins points for the MAGA base, shows Trump as a “strong leader putting the beggar Zelensky in his place” and shows to the EU and greater world that Trump is not like previous presidents and will not operate like them.
I can imagine the next steps from the Trump administration would be withholding assets from Ukraine, the removal of US based sanctions on Russia and potentially even economic pressure on Ukraine to “force them back to the table” and accept a more Russian favorable deal with phrasing that “Trump humbled Zelensky” and “see they needed us after all now they really can’t survive when the US doesn’t come to the rescue”. This, of course, is all to boost domestic American popularity at the expense of Ukrainian lives and sovereignty.
Smooth_Sundae4714 on
I am the first to admit that I am not an expert when it comes to Americas relationship with Ukraine and Russia, or this ongoing war. However, I feel that the manner in which Trump, and then Vance conducted themselves was low class and embarrassing to Americans. They both spoke about respecting the Oval Office, but did not do so themselves. Trump and Vance did act like school yard bullies, backed up by their media lap dogs (who cares if Zelensky did not wear a suit). It is sad that the world has devolved into this.
ShamAsil on
Took about 35 years longer than expected, but it finally happened. The ghostly hand of the USSR successfully choked out America. Khrushchev and Yuri Andropov must be laughing in their graves.
quantax on
I’ve seen high schoolers conduct meetings that were more professional. Very embarrassing and even more so that Trump and Vance seem proud of their purposeful buffoonery. It’s disturbing that we’re ruled by such arrogant fools.
michaipete on
I’m honestly baffled. What do they have to gain from this by suddenly switching sides? What did russia promise/offer them for this? I’m struggling to see what the benefits are from their side
arb7721 on
Zelenski triggered Trump with the ocean comment, which to me was tactless. Then all went downhill. The problem is that Zelenski’s English is very basic, he can’t express himself. It would have been better if he had used a translator and express his points as politically correct as he can.
noblestation on
It is unfortunate that we as a nation are allowing American hegemony to recede in such a manner. Once we get up and back away from the seat at the table, there is no guarantee that we will be allowed to sit in the same chair again.
Even if Zelensky signs a deal which gives us short-term profits, the bigger pain is the loss of confidence in America as a trading partner. Our primary power in the world is our overall economic stability, backed by good faith practices against the back drop of rising alternatives (BRICS). If we cannot demonstrate good faith practices to our closest allies such as Canada, then others will see how we treat those not as close, such as Ukraine, and attempt to diversify away from us.
We cannot afford to act this way, especially publicly. This needs to be reminder to all who would support such behavior from a sitting US president:
Our greatest economic rival, China, has surpassed the manufacturing capacity of World War II-era United States. The United States of today is far below that.
We should not give up American supremacy for the sake of short-term gains. Once we lose it, especially in such an ungraceful manner, the world will not allow us to get it back without some form of a fight.
fivebillionproud on
I have no doubt that Trump’s already committed acts that are relatively on the same level as the acts committed which resulted in Impeachment #1. We just haven’t learned about it, yet.
Trick_Text_6658 on
Wake up Europe. China is better partner than this unstable freak. Wake up Europe.
Ok-Zone-1430 on
There was no “smackdown.” It was two childish weak men with the emotional maturity of a toddler doing their best to repeat the propaganda lines daddy Putin taught them.
President Zelensky was the only true leader in that building.
karateguzman on
If Europe steps up to defend Ukraine I’ll be so proud
perestroika12 on
Shameful display for Trump and Vance, but equally shameful for the American people who refuse to hold these bullies accountable for policies that are not going to help Americans and not in America’s best interest.
The long-term ramifications are going to be a massive loss for this country, both in soft power and economic power . The only reason Americans have a good life right now is because we have lots of friends across the globe.
I feel so sorry for Ukraine, they got screwed by those who promised they will protect them.
Free-Design-9901 on
I wonder how cold, calculating and realist will American politics become after this meeting 😉
AvgGuy100 on
We in the Global South know this attitude quite well, both from Americans and Europeans. Oh, how the turntables.
It’s very interesting, to say the least, to see in real time the implosion of the West.
Unitooth on
Perhaps Trump would like to start setting the example to earn said respect. He called the man a dictator and then expects respect? Manhood will evade this carbon based lifeform to the end. He may be a male, but he is no man.
deathbysnusnu7 on
This seems to me that the Trump administration is trying to force Europe into taking on a larger role in Ukraine. Trump has made prior comments blaming NATO and Europe for not spending enough on their defense obligations and their reliance on Russian energy (even despite US sanctions). This would seemingly fall in line with that same way of thinking. The outcome of who wins is seemingly inconsequential to the Trump administration. Getting Europe to build up their defenses and ramp up military spending is the real end goal.
Additional-Ad9951 on
As an American I’d like to make it clear-This is unacceptable and I’m ashamed. Let me personally apologize to Mr. Zelensky on behalf of every single American who has an IQ over 70 and a sense of moral obligation. That was sickening to witness.
Alexdavid1996 on
This is really sad, bro. I couldn’t even finish watching it all. I’m not American, but I’ve always rooted for Trump somehow, I still like the guy. However, what they did to Zelensky was horrible. They should not have treated him that way. If Zelensky stole money from the previous government, he shouldn’t have been given anything at all, but the way they handled it was wrong. They should’ve kept it behind closed doors. That would’ve been better.
I was born in ’96, and I know I’m just a young person compared to many of you, who have more experience and maybe more insight on these matters. But I have this feeling that the world is heading towards an end. Over the years, it feels like things are getting worse. I don’t think the USA will remain number one for much longer. It’s hard to watch how things are unfolding today it’s very sad. Politicians in many countries are getting paid to screw us over, and now wars are happening all over. Most people don’t even realize there are wars happening right now, and things are only getting worse.
The USA is playing with fire, and Trump seems to think all countries will bow down to the US. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening. It’s more likely that, in the future, many countries will start cutting ties with the USA, and that could be the beginning of the downfall of America.
Leave A Reply
Du musst angemeldet sein, um einen Kommentar abzugeben.
25 Kommentare
U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky got into an unusually heated exchange in the Oval Office on Friday, as Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance berated Ukraine’s leader for being ungrateful and pressured him to make a deal with Russia, only to be met with a spirited response.
Trump told Zelensky, the president of a country that has been successfully withstanding an invasion by a nuclear superpower for just over three years, that without (wildly inflated) U.S. assistance, Ukraine would have disappeared in about two weeks.
“Or three days, yes, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin said the exact same thing,” said Zelensky, concisely homing in on exactly the problem Ukraine faces when one of its larger defense and financial backers suddenly switches sides in the middle of a war.
Zelensky came to Washington on Friday with a lot of baggage, a large dose of humility, a spartan wardrobe, and hopes that Trump’s apparent turn toward the Kremlin was a passing fad. He was sorely disabused of that when he sat down with Trump and his advisors in the Oval Office in front of news cameras.
Trump just sided with Russia against freedom and democracy. This is the most thug-like, anyone alive has seen an american president act. Just complete mobster mentality.
An absolute ambush by Trump/Vance. Tough to believe it wasn’t planned this way. I can’t believe this is what the US has become. We’re seriously siding with Russia. So, so disheartening.
Those who are surprised, I think, have not understood what is happening and the world we are heading towards…
I am officially ashamed to be an American. Trump and Vance are such bullies, sociopaths. They can rot in hell as far as I am concerned. Might as well have told Churchill to make a peace deal in 1940.
Meanwhile Marco Rubio sits there in silence. If I had any ounce of dignity I would quit right now.
Watching the entire stream and focusing specifically on the line of questions asked to Zelensky by reporters and how Trump and Vance whipped themselves into a faux fury towards the end, its clear this was a pre-determined conclusion to this meeting from this administration. The questions were meant to belittle and disrespect Zelensky on both a political and personal level to goad him into a slip up that they could pounce on to justify the concluding scene.
While its just happened, it seems the end goal of this meeting from the Trump administration was to begin the process of pulling out all support from Ukraine. “If you don’t take this deal, you’ll have to fight it out without us” was said and alluded to multiple times in the stream, more or less confirming this was on their mind from the beginning. Turning this move into “good TV” wins points for the MAGA base, shows Trump as a “strong leader putting the beggar Zelensky in his place” and shows to the EU and greater world that Trump is not like previous presidents and will not operate like them.
I can imagine the next steps from the Trump administration would be withholding assets from Ukraine, the removal of US based sanctions on Russia and potentially even economic pressure on Ukraine to “force them back to the table” and accept a more Russian favorable deal with phrasing that “Trump humbled Zelensky” and “see they needed us after all now they really can’t survive when the US doesn’t come to the rescue”. This, of course, is all to boost domestic American popularity at the expense of Ukrainian lives and sovereignty.
I am the first to admit that I am not an expert when it comes to Americas relationship with Ukraine and Russia, or this ongoing war. However, I feel that the manner in which Trump, and then Vance conducted themselves was low class and embarrassing to Americans. They both spoke about respecting the Oval Office, but did not do so themselves. Trump and Vance did act like school yard bullies, backed up by their media lap dogs (who cares if Zelensky did not wear a suit). It is sad that the world has devolved into this.
Took about 35 years longer than expected, but it finally happened. The ghostly hand of the USSR successfully choked out America. Khrushchev and Yuri Andropov must be laughing in their graves.
I’ve seen high schoolers conduct meetings that were more professional. Very embarrassing and even more so that Trump and Vance seem proud of their purposeful buffoonery. It’s disturbing that we’re ruled by such arrogant fools.
I’m honestly baffled. What do they have to gain from this by suddenly switching sides? What did russia promise/offer them for this? I’m struggling to see what the benefits are from their side
Zelenski triggered Trump with the ocean comment, which to me was tactless. Then all went downhill. The problem is that Zelenski’s English is very basic, he can’t express himself. It would have been better if he had used a translator and express his points as politically correct as he can.
It is unfortunate that we as a nation are allowing American hegemony to recede in such a manner. Once we get up and back away from the seat at the table, there is no guarantee that we will be allowed to sit in the same chair again.
Even if Zelensky signs a deal which gives us short-term profits, the bigger pain is the loss of confidence in America as a trading partner. Our primary power in the world is our overall economic stability, backed by good faith practices against the back drop of rising alternatives (BRICS). If we cannot demonstrate good faith practices to our closest allies such as Canada, then others will see how we treat those not as close, such as Ukraine, and attempt to diversify away from us.
We cannot afford to act this way, especially publicly. This needs to be reminder to all who would support such behavior from a sitting US president:
Our greatest economic rival, China, has surpassed the manufacturing capacity of World War II-era United States. The United States of today is far below that.
We should not give up American supremacy for the sake of short-term gains. Once we lose it, especially in such an ungraceful manner, the world will not allow us to get it back without some form of a fight.
I have no doubt that Trump’s already committed acts that are relatively on the same level as the acts committed which resulted in Impeachment #1. We just haven’t learned about it, yet.
Wake up Europe. China is better partner than this unstable freak. Wake up Europe.
There was no “smackdown.” It was two childish weak men with the emotional maturity of a toddler doing their best to repeat the propaganda lines daddy Putin taught them.
President Zelensky was the only true leader in that building.
If Europe steps up to defend Ukraine I’ll be so proud
Shameful display for Trump and Vance, but equally shameful for the American people who refuse to hold these bullies accountable for policies that are not going to help Americans and not in America’s best interest.
The long-term ramifications are going to be a massive loss for this country, both in soft power and economic power . The only reason Americans have a good life right now is because we have lots of friends across the globe.
who’s that sitting next to Rubio ?
https://youtu.be/p5vBvlBGmoY?si=pal6l5ama2XMNTC0&t=111
I feel so sorry for Ukraine, they got screwed by those who promised they will protect them.
I wonder how cold, calculating and realist will American politics become after this meeting 😉
We in the Global South know this attitude quite well, both from Americans and Europeans. Oh, how the turntables.
It’s very interesting, to say the least, to see in real time the implosion of the West.
Perhaps Trump would like to start setting the example to earn said respect. He called the man a dictator and then expects respect? Manhood will evade this carbon based lifeform to the end. He may be a male, but he is no man.
This seems to me that the Trump administration is trying to force Europe into taking on a larger role in Ukraine. Trump has made prior comments blaming NATO and Europe for not spending enough on their defense obligations and their reliance on Russian energy (even despite US sanctions). This would seemingly fall in line with that same way of thinking. The outcome of who wins is seemingly inconsequential to the Trump administration. Getting Europe to build up their defenses and ramp up military spending is the real end goal.
As an American I’d like to make it clear-This is unacceptable and I’m ashamed. Let me personally apologize to Mr. Zelensky on behalf of every single American who has an IQ over 70 and a sense of moral obligation. That was sickening to witness.
This is really sad, bro. I couldn’t even finish watching it all. I’m not American, but I’ve always rooted for Trump somehow, I still like the guy. However, what they did to Zelensky was horrible. They should not have treated him that way. If Zelensky stole money from the previous government, he shouldn’t have been given anything at all, but the way they handled it was wrong. They should’ve kept it behind closed doors. That would’ve been better.
I was born in ’96, and I know I’m just a young person compared to many of you, who have more experience and maybe more insight on these matters. But I have this feeling that the world is heading towards an end. Over the years, it feels like things are getting worse. I don’t think the USA will remain number one for much longer. It’s hard to watch how things are unfolding today it’s very sad. Politicians in many countries are getting paid to screw us over, and now wars are happening all over. Most people don’t even realize there are wars happening right now, and things are only getting worse.
The USA is playing with fire, and Trump seems to think all countries will bow down to the US. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening. It’s more likely that, in the future, many countries will start cutting ties with the USA, and that could be the beginning of the downfall of America.