Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova on Friday claimed that US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance displayed “a miracle of restraint” by refraining from striking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during their heated confrontation at the White House.
“I think Zelenskyy’s biggest lie of all his lies was his assertion in the White House that the Kyiv regime in 2022 was alone, without support,” she wrote on Telegram.
“How Trump and Vance held back from hitting that scumbag is a miracle of restraint,” she added.
These remarks followed a heated clash in the Oval Office, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance shouted at Zelenskyy, accusing him of not being “thankful” for the US support in Ukraine’s three-year war against the Russian invasion.
Kirill Dmitriev, who leads the Russian Direct Investment Fund, described the intense discussion between Trump and Zelensky as a significant moment.
Dmitriev participated as one of Moscow’s representatives in the Russian-American discussions that took place on February 18 in Saudi Arabia, marking the first such meeting since Russia’s military actions in Ukraine commenced in 2022.
The deputy head of Russia’s Security Council and former Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev, described Zelensky in derogatory terms, noting his unfavourable reception in the Oval Office.
Zelenskyy left the West Wing after spending two hours and 20 minutes inside. What started as a cordial Oval Office meeting quickly unraveled when he attempted to discuss Russian President Vladimir Putin’s diplomatic stance with Vice President JD Vance in front of journalists and cameras.
Vance initiated the tension by stating, “Mr. President, with respect. I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media.”
Vance continued with increased volume: “Do you think it’s respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country?”
In response, Zelensky cautioned the American leaders about potential consequences reaching US territory due to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Following this, Trump joined the criticism. Vance additionally scolded Zelensky, stating: “Have you said ‘thank you’ once in the entire meeting? In the entire meeting, have you said ‘thank you?’ … Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America — and the president who’s trying to save your country.”
When Zelenskyy attempted to respond, Trump raised his voice saying, “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people.”
“You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that’s backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have,” Trump continued.
Trump indicated Zelenskyy’s limited negotiating position.”You’re not in a good position. You don’t have the cards right now,” Trump said pointing his finger towards Zelenskyy. “With us you start having cards.”
“I’m not playing cards,” said Zelenskyy in response.
Trump further criticised Zelenskyy’s attitude towards the US. “It’s going to be a very hard thing to do business like this,” he remarked during their overlapping discussion about Ukraine’s international support.
“Again, just say thank you,” Vance told Zelenskyy, criticising his public airing of disagreements. Trump, however, welcomed the exchange, stating, “I think it’s good for the American people to see what’s going on.”
“You’re not acting at all thankful,” Trump said.
“This is going to be great television,” he added. The contentious exchange occurred at a crucial time for Ukraine, when Zelenskyy’s agenda included seeking US support against potential future Russian military actions.
Zelenskyy pushed back against Vance, emphasizing that he has expressed his appreciation to the American people and the president ““a lot of times.”
Zelenskyy left soon after, with Trump later posting on social media, “He can come back when he is ready for peace.”
After departing the White House, the Ukrainian leader took to X stating: “Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit,” Zelenskyy wrote. “Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
The critical minerals deal remained unsigned, and the planned joint press conference was scrapped. US media reported also that senior Trump officials had instructed Zelenskyy to leave.
