Eric Patrick
During a tense meeting at the White House on Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy found themselves in a heated confrontation.
Trump rebuked his Ukrainian counterpart, telling him to be more “thankful” for US support and accusing him of “gambling with World War Three” by not going along with ceasefire plans led by Washington.
This brutal confrontation came a week after Zelensky alleged that Trump was living in a “disinformation space” created by Russia, while Trump lashed back at Zelenskyy accusing him of being a “dictator.”
After the meeting, Trump issued a statement shared on his Facebook page on Friday, stating that Zelenskyy should come back whenever he is ready for peace with the United States.
Trump noted that the American’s involvement gave Zelenskyy a bigger advantage in negotiations, “I don’t want advantage, I want peace,” he added.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham called for Zelenskyy to change his tune or resign, just hours after attending a friendly meeting between Zelenskyy and a dozen senators, Reuters reports
READ ALSO: Trump Hints at Progress in Ukraine Talks, Praises Russia’s Conduct
Zelenskyy visited Washington to help broker an agreement to jointly develop Ukraine’s rich natural resources with the United States.
Trump statement read, “We had a very meaningful meeting at 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 emotions. And I have determined that president Zelenskyy is not ready for peace if America is involve, 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 his cherished Oval office. He can come when he is ready for peace.