In a dramatic turn of events just hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy entered the Oval Office for a highly anticipated meeting with President Donald Trump on Saturday, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham issued a blunt warning to the Ukrainian leader.
“Don’t take the bait,” Graham advised Zelenskyy, cautioning him against engaging in a heated debate with Trump.
According to media outlet, Graham warned Zelenskyy not to engage in arguments about security agreements with the US.
When the meeting commenced, Zelenskyy raised concerns about Ukraine’s ongoing war effort, particularly the uncertainty surrounding US military aid. His plea for stronger US involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict quickly sparked an intense confrontation.
Trump, along with Vice President JD Vance, took issue with Zelenskyy’s request, accusing him of lacking gratitude for the support the US had already provided.
What followed was an unprecedented public altercation, unfolding in front of journalists. Zelenskyy’s petition for a more assertive US stance was met with a sharp response from the two American leaders.
Trump, known for his blunt style, had already set the tone earlier in the meeting by poking fun at Zelenskyy’s attire. “Oh look, you’re all dressed up,” Trump remarked.
As tensions grew, Trump pressed Zelenskyy on whether Ukraine was willing to make concessions to Russia in peace talks. Vance joined the fray, accusing Zelenskyy of being “ungrateful.”
In a surprising move, Zelenskyy directly challenged Vance, asking, “What kind of diplomacy, JD?” He pointed out that multiple failed diplomatic efforts had preceded Russia’s full-scale invasion, making peace negotiations more difficult.
Vance, frustrated by Zelenskyy’s direct response, accused him of disrespecting the US President. Trump then escalated the argument, telling Zelenskyy that he was “gambling with World War III.”
Zelenskyy, undeterred, continued to make his case. In a pointed remark, he warned that Russian aggression was not only a threat to Ukraine but could eventually impact the United States. “You have nice oceans and don’t feel now, but you will feel it in the future,” he said, making clear that the global implications of Russia’s actions could be far-reaching.
Trump, growing more agitated, ended the meeting abruptly, telling the press that the public spat would make for “great television.”
The confrontation left many questions unanswered, including a minerals-sharing deal that had been widely expected to be signed during the visit.
Senator Graham, who had initially attempted to mediate the meeting, later suggested that Zelenskyy might need to “resign and send somebody over that we can do business with, or change.”
Other Republican leaders quickly weighed in, downplaying the confrontation and accusing Zelenskyy of not showing the proper respect to the US President.
In a follow-up interview, Zelenskyy acknowledged the heated exchange but insisted that standing his ground was necessary.
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