Zelensky's White House visit ends in confrontation over war funding
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a lack of understanding regarding American concerns about funding the war with Russia. She made it clear that Americans are tired of footing Ukraine's bills.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Donald Trump at the White House, which ended in an unexpected argument. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed her dissatisfaction with Zelensky's stance, emphasising that Americans are weary of funding the conflict in Ukraine.
Unfortunately for Zelenskyy, I think he refuses to recognize the practical reality of this war. It's been going on for years. His countrymen are dying. And the people who have been funding this effort, the American people are sick and tired of footing this bill, said Leavitt as quoted by the BBC. "So it's a much different situation for him than it was three years ago," added the spokesperson.
At the end of her statement, she accused Ukrainian President Zelensky of disrespecting Americans. She assured that Donald Trump wants to end the war.
Argument between Zelensky and Trump in the Oval Office
The meeting in the Oval Office, which initially proceeded in a pleasant atmosphere, ended with a heated exchange of words. Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Zelensky of ingratitude and disrespect towards the USA. After the spat, Trump broke off the talks, and the Ukrainian delegation was expelled from the White House.
The planned joint press conference of Trump and Zelensky was cancelled, and both sides did not sign the previously announced mineral agreement.
Leavitt emphasised that breaking off negotiations with Ukraine does not imply increased talks with Russia. "The president has made it clear always that both sides need to talk equally, to bring both sides to the table to negotiate a deal," she said, as quoted by the "Washington Examiner" portal.
