Instant reaction to Trump and Zelenskyy's blazing row

Donald Trump has warned Volodymyr Zelenskyy to "make a deal or we're out" as he accused the Ukrainian president of "gambling with World War Three".

The two leaders clashed during their Oval Office meeting, with Trump branding Zelenskyy "disrespectful".

After Zelenskyy warned that the US would feel the impact of the war if continues, Trump interrupted saying: "Don't tell us what we're going to feel. We're trying to solve a problem."

The testy exchange continued with both Trump and vice president JD Vance saying that Ukraine should be thankful for US support in the war.

Trump claimed he had empowered Zelenskyy to be a tough guy, adding: "You wouldn’t be a tough guy without us."

It came after the US president said he was "in the middle" and "for both Ukraine and Russia" during the meeting.

He said he wanted to get the conflict between both countries "solved".

He insisted that he was not "aligned with Putin" but instead was aligned "with the US and good of the world".

Zelenskyy took the opportunity to show Trump images of prisoners of war held by Russia.

#ukraine #russia #trump #LBC

LBC is the home of live debate around news and current affairs in the UK.

[pscar]

Zelenskyy has left the White House. He has rightfully refused to sign the agreement.

[rbb.]

I am beyond appalled, disgusted and DISTURBED

[revizit]

I'm an American veteran. I'm 80 and have never seen anything like this. Ashamed, speechless, and fearful for Ukraine.

[mariaangelica]

I'm an American. I watched the entire televised meeting. At NO point was Zelensky disrespectful. On the contrary, he calmly explained how diplomacy has NOT worked with Putin. Vance initiated the debacle and Trump followed suit. How unfortunate and disgraceful that they bullied a president who is trying so hard to negotiate peace and, most important, SECURITY for his people.

[vipersb]

As an American this brought tears to my eyes and a knot to my stomach.
I'm absolutely disgusted and ashamed.

[IanBerry-fo]

Both Trump and J D Vance showed their true colours. Disgusting behaviour from both of them.

[MapleYum]

This made me unbelievably angry. Such utter and appalling disrespect for Zelenskyy and he is forced to take it because he cares for his people more than himself. Trump and Vance have reached new lows I thought impossible even for them.

[AkselTheTainted]

As an Eastern European-born person myself…

I have never been so enraged, antagonised and so much rage incited in me because of the flames that lit up both Trump and Vance’s true shadows. Absolutely diabolical for them to confront him to put an utter dishonour and shame to the next level to humiliate the leader of a country who has gone through years of hardships, challenges and a decade long complicated rivalry with Russia and going as far as to put all of his efforts for the Ukrainian citizens at all costs.

It leaves me in shambles to realise how this is going to shape our image of Trump to hit a great new low.

So Zelensky grants back Russia with all of their leftover warheads, Crimea is annexed, invasion begins and NOW THIS?!

Completely speechless. Just… Outrageous, unspeakable, obnoxious and sickening could Trump and Vance possibly get?

[pauleades]

Like two bullies in the playground trying to pinch another kid's lunch! Shameful!!

[Mikados_Advark]

LET US BOYCOTT AMERICAN GOODS AND SERVICES

[ACinDorset]

History in the making: Trump & Vance publicly dragging America to it's lowest ever point.

[Dziricani]

If you pay close attention, there was one man with no suit, and two suits with no men.

[ermaek]

I didn't see Zelenskyy close to tears AT ALL! I saw him absolutely amazed at the ABSOLUTE DESPICABLE BULLYING they were trying to accomplish! Zelenskyy was the only adult in that meeting!

[pohjiebarbosa]

I am utterly ashamed by those boys who are in charge of my country. Zelenskyy is a real man.

[lynneSpiration]

Mind-blowing. Im ashamed of what the world witnessed today. As an American I stand with Ukraine 🇺🇦

[sciencewithsantanu]

From India. Trump said USAID gave 21M for voter turnout in India. He said it in multiple press conferences. But it looks like no such aid to India. It was to Bangladesh according to USAID website. It's horrible how this guy is spreading lies and mistreating their friends. Not only that Trump during press conference with Modi said QUAD is a military alliance, which is a straight lie.

[maryschrouder]

I've lived in the United States for almost 70 years and I have never ever thought I would be embarrassed and disgusted with the supposed leaders of The US..😢

[kellypickle]

As an American, I have never been more ashamed. I am so mad I’m shaking. That was the most disgusting display I have ever seen. I stand with Ukraine!!!

[timlange]

As a US citizen that love's his country. I'm disgusted and ashamed.

[JenWrenNewZealand]

I told you Zelensky would never sell his country out. The man has integrity. How can he ever negotiate peace with two men who have none.