In an unprecedented confrontation, President Trump and Vice President JD Vance confronted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, criticizing him for his perceived lack of gratitude towards U.S. support in the war against Russia. Their demands for a peace deal, articulated in a shouting match, significantly deteriorated U.S.-Ukraine relations and disrupted agreements for a rare minerals deal. Peter Baker noted that such a public dressing down of an ally's leader is historically exceptional and undermines Ukraine's position while benefiting Russia, which seeks to weaken Ukraine's alliances.
In an explosive public confrontation unlike any in recent history, President Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, in the Oval Office today.
The leaders accused Zelensky of not being grateful enough for U.S. support in its war with Russia. 'Just say thank you,' Vance said.
The shouting match, which was televised, ultimately eroded plans for a rare minerals deal between the two countries and cut short a visit meant to coordinate a plan for peace.
Never has an American president lectured the leader of an ally in public like this, much less the leader of a country that is fighting off invaders.
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