This positive moment for Trump comes after a tense and widely discussed meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday (February 28).
During the White House meeting, which was meant to discuss the ongoing Russian invasion and potential paths to peace, tensions flared when Zelenskyy was accused of not showing enough gratitude for the support the U.S. has provided Ukraine.
In a strong warning, Trump told Zelenskyy: “You’re gambling with millions of people seeing you gambling with World War Three. You’re gambling with World War Three.”
His vice president, JD Vance, intensified the pressure, saying: “In this entire meeting, have you said thank you? You went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October—offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who’s trying to save your country.”
Trump also reminded Zelenskyy of the dire situation in Ukraine, emphasizing that the country is “running low on soldiers.”
Following the controversial discussion, Zelenskyy took to X to express his appreciation, posting:
“Thank you, America. Thank you for your support. Thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people.
“Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
