WASHINGTON – A tense exchange unfolded between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a White House meeting, as Trump warned Zelensky that he was “gambling with World War III.” The heated discussion, which also involved Vice President JD Vance, dashed Zelensky’s hopes of securing stronger US backing against Russia.

The meeting, intended to discuss diplomatic solutions and an agreement on natural resources, turned confrontational when Vance urged Ukraine to pursue negotiations with Russia. Zelensky rejected the idea, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin could not be trusted.

“You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards,” Trump told Zelensky, who insisted he was not “playing cards” but fighting for his country. Trump later accused Zelensky of disrespecting the US and stated, “He can come back when he is ready for peace.”

The US president also hinted at withdrawing support for Ukraine, saying, “You either make a deal, or we’re out.” Following the clash, Trump canceled a planned joint press conference, while Zelensky left the Oval Office without securing a commitment from the US administration.