Tensions Flare: Resurfaced Reports Highlight Strained Exchanges Between US Leaders and Zelenskyy Over Ukraine Aid
Recent reports have shed light on strained exchanges between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US leaders, revealing friction over the level of gratitude expressed for American assistance in the ongoing conflict with Russia. A resurfaced 2022 report details a heated phone call between then-President Joe Biden and Zelenskyy, while new accounts paint a picture of a tense meeting between Zelenskyy and former President Donald Trump, alongside Vice President JD Vance.
According to an NBC News report from November 2022, a phone call between Biden and Zelenskyy in June of that year became contentious when Zelenskyy, shortly after Biden approved a $1 billion aid package, began listing additional needs that were not being met. Sources familiar with the call indicated that Biden lost his temper, emphasizing the generosity of the American people and the hard work of his administration and the US military in supporting Ukraine. He reportedly raised his voice, suggesting Zelenskyy could demonstrate more gratitude.
While the relationship between Biden and Zelenskyy reportedly improved following the call, the incident underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the provision of aid to Ukraine. The resurfacing of this report coincides with a more recent and equally fraught encounter between Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vance, further highlighting the challenges in navigating the delicate balance of international diplomacy during wartime.
The meeting, described as fiery, saw Vance pressing Zelenskyy on the topic of gratitude for US assistance over the years. Trump, for his part, reportedly asked Zelenskyy to leave the White House, stipulating that he could return “when he is ready for Peace.”
The tension in the meeting reportedly escalated in the final ten minutes, following Vance’s assertion that peace between Russia and Ukraine would be achieved through US diplomacy. Zelenskyy responded with apparent disapproval, prompting a sharp rebuke from Vance.
"Mr. President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media," Vance said, according to reports. He further criticized Ukraine’s conscription practices, arguing that Zelenskyy should be thanking the president for bringing the issue to the forefront.
Zelenskyy reportedly countered by questioning Vance’s understanding of the situation in Ukraine, asking if he had ever visited the country.
Vance, in turn, accused Zelenskyy of taking people on "propaganda tours" and reiterated his concern about the challenges Ukraine faces in recruiting soldiers. He then directly questioned the respectfulness of attacking the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of his country within the Oval Office.
Zelenskyy acknowledged the problems associated with war, adding that the US would feel the war "in the future."
Trump swiftly shut down this assertion, telling Zelenskyy, "Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel."
The exchange continued with Trump accusing Zelenskyy of "gambling with the lives of millions of people" and "gambling with World War III." He emphasized that Zelenskyy’s actions were "very disrespectful to this country."
Vance further pressed the issue of gratitude, pointedly asking Zelenskyy if he had "said thank you once this entire meeting." He also noted that Zelenskyy "went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October," suggesting that Zelenskyy should offer words of appreciation to the United States and its president.
The financial commitment of the US to Ukraine has been substantial. Since 2022, Congress has appropriated approximately $175 billion for aid, although precise figures vary depending on the definition of aid. A German think tank, the Kiel Institute, estimates that European assistance to Ukraine between January 2022 and December 2024 totaled roughly $138.7 billion, while the US contributed $119.7 billion during the same period.
Trump, during the meeting, emphasized his perceived role in empowering Zelenskyy. "The problem is, I’ve empowered you to be a tough guy, and I don’t think you’d be a tough guy without the United States," he reportedly stated.
He further added that while the Ukrainian people are brave, Zelenskyy needs to make a deal or face the consequences of the US withdrawing its support. "But you’re either going to make a deal or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty, but you’ll fight it out. But you don’t have the cards. But once we sign that deal, you’re in a much better position. But you’re not acting at all thankful. And that’s not a nice thing. I’ll be honest. That’s not a nice thing," Trump said.
Following the meeting, Zelenskyy left the White House, and a planned press conference with him was canceled. A speaking event at a Washington, D.C.-based think tank was also called off.
Zelenskyy later addressed the situation in an exclusive interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, where he was pressed on whether he would apologize to Trump. He declined to apologize but expressed gratitude to the American people and acknowledged the bipartisan support from Congress and President Trump. "You helped us a lot from the very beginning, during three years of full-scale invasion, you helped us to survive," he said. "No, I respect the president and I respect American people. . . . I think that we have to be very open and very honest, and I’m not sure that we did something bad."
The controversy has drawn reactions from US leaders, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have called on Zelenskyy to apologize for the Oval Office meeting.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has traveled to the UK to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer has reportedly spoken with Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron regarding a UK and France peace plan to be presented to the US. European leaders are expected to convene in London to further discuss the proposed plan.
These recent developments highlight the growing pressure on Zelenskyy to navigate complex relationships with key international allies, particularly as the war with Russia continues and the need for external support remains critical. The issue of gratitude, while seemingly a matter of etiquette, appears to have become a focal point in the ongoing dialogue between Ukraine and its most significant benefactor, the United States.
