"You are gambling with the lives of millions – gambling with World War III" – President Donald Trump to Zelenskyy

"You are gambling with the lives of millions – gambling with World War III" – President Donald Trump to Zelenskyy

Washington: A heated exchange took place on Friday (February 28, 2025) between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. Trump warned Zelenskyy, saying, "You are gambling with the lives of millions – gambling with World War III."

Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskyy of being ungrateful to the United States.

"I am not aligned with anyone. I am aligned with the United States of America and the good of the world," Trump said during the meeting.

Trump then told Zelenskyy that he needed to be more grateful, and that he was "gambling with World War III" and "putting millions of lives at risk." Vance also joined in, accusing Zelenskyy of debating in front of the American media and making disrespectful comments.

"Have you ever said 'thank you'?" Vance asked.

Meanwhile, as Zelenskyy tried to respond, Trump said:

"Don't tell us what we should feel. You are not in a position to decide how we should feel... You’ve put yourself in a bad position... You have no power in your hands right now."

"You are gambling with the lives of millions, you are gambling with World War III. And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country."

'Make a deal, or we are out'

Trump made it clear that if Ukraine did not finalize a minerals deal with the United States, "we are out."

"The problem is, I helped make you a tough guy, and I don’t think you could have been a tough guy without the United States," Trump directly told Zelenskyy.

"And your people are very brave. But you’re either going to make a deal, or we are out, and if we’re out, you’ll have to fight it out."

"I don’t think it will be pretty, but you’ll fight. But the position you are in right now is not right. But once we sign that deal, you’ll be in a much better position."

Trump and Zelenskyy clash over European support to Ukraine

Trump and Zelenskyy also had an argument about European support to Ukraine. Zelenskyy said, "Actually, we can help Europe because Europe really helped... President Trump said they [the support] gave less, but they are our friends and very supportive partners... they gave a lot, Mr. President."

Trump responded, "Really? Maybe they gave some help, but they gave much less."