The Hudson Institute, a non-partisan think tank in Washington, D.C., cancelled its upcoming interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Friday following his heated spat with President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance in the Oval Office.
The meeting between Trump, Vance and Zelenskyy imploded after the Ukrainian president accused the U.S. officials of not upholding its word of “engaging in diplomatic relations.” The Hudson Institute canceled its in-person event with Zelenskyy where John Walters, the CEO of the organization, planned to discuss “US-Ukrainian relations, the state of the war, and the path forward for Ukraine.”
Vance bluntly told Zelenskyy that he showed blatant disrespect by publicly criticizing the administration that is trying to help them end the Russia-Ukraine war. He further called out Zelenskyy for not showing gratitude to the U.S. for the billions of dollars in taxpayer money and the U.S. military weapons sent to Ukraine to help them fight Russian aggression. (RELATED: Liberal Jouro Earnestly Compares Zelenskyy To Jesus Christ)
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Trump further accused the Ukrainian president of “gambling with World War III” and suggested that the U.S. has “backed [Ukraine] far more than a lot people say it should have.” After the meeting, Trump canceled the scheduled signing of the finalized minerals deal and the joint press conference set to be held at the White House, prompting Zelenskyy to return to his motorcade and leave the premises.
The president said on Truth Social that Zelenskyy can return to the Oval Office when he is prepared for peace with America’s involvement in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today,” Trump said. “Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
After Vance questioned whether he ever thanked the administration, Zelenskyy expressed his thanks to Trump, the U.S., Congress and “the American people” for the visit and stated that his country needs “just and lasting peace” in a statement following the incident.
Republicans have largely defended Trump and Vance and accused Zelenskyy of being disrespectful. Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, who has visited Ukraine nine times since the start of the war, said Zelenskyy may have permanently damaged his relationship with the U.S. and may have to be replaced in order for American officials to strengthen its relationship with Ukraine.
On the other hand, Democrats have largely sided with Zelenskyy and uttered their years-long talking points that Trump is a loyalist to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Democratic California Sen. Adam Schiff accused Trump of being a “coward” and labeled Zelenskyy a “hero,” while former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that Trump has stood up against the U.S.’ “longstanding support of democracy around the world.”
Fox News anchor Bret Baier said his one-on-one interview with Zelenskyy is still set to air on his program, “Special Report.”
The Hudson Institute didn’t immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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