Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the nation’s capital on Friday, expecting a warm embrace and a blank check from the Biden era. Instead, he found himself in a shouting match with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who took turns reminding him that the United States isn’t an ATM with a Ukrainian flag on it.
The Oval Office meeting, meant to discuss a deal for U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, quickly devolved into a spectacle of bruised egos and raised voices, leaving Zelenskyy storming out nearly in tears.
The Washington Wick caught up with Zelenskyy shortly after he fled the White House, his motorcade still idling in embarrassment.
“My feelings are hurt,” he admitted. “I’ve never been treated like this before. Joe Biden was so gracious — he gave Ukraine everything, no questions asked, no investigations, nothing.”
Trump, unimpressed by Zelenskyy’s laundry list of demands, accused the Ukrainian leader of disrespecting the United States during their heated exchange. Vance piled on, scolding Zelenskyy for trying to “litigate” Ukraine’s woes in front of the American press. The confrontation peaked when Trump warned Zelenskyy that he was “gambling with World War III,” a line that reportedly left the Ukrainian president feeling triggered.
“America’s pursuit of peace is violence against Ukraine,” he declared. “All I wanted was a little gratitude for my sacrifices, but instead I got yelled at for the way I dress.”
Zelenskyy came to negotiate, but his insistence on relitigating Russia’s invasion didn't sit well with Trump and Vance. The mineral deal, which could have repaid some of the billions the U.S. has poured into Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion, went unsigned.
Trump took to Truth Social afterward, writing, “He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he’s ready for peace.”
Zelenskyy’s team had hoped for a replay of the Biden administration’s unconditional generosity, when aid flowed like water and accountability was as rare as an honest politician.
“Joe understood me,” Zelenskyy said. “These new guys? They’re mean. They hurt my feelings and they will pay.”
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