SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s senators are weighing in on a heated exchange between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, offering starkly different perspectives on the tense Oval Office meeting.
Sen. Mike Lee praised Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance for their handling of the discussion, stating that they were “putting America first” and standing firm on U.S. interests. Meanwhile, Sen. John Curtis expressed concern about the lack of diplomatic progress, emphasizing the need to work toward “a just and lasting peace” between Ukraine and Russia.
“Diplomacy and statesmanship seem to have been set aside today,” Curtis said in a statement. “Ukraine remains a key ally that shares our commitment to free speech, free markets, and democratic values. Strengthening our ties benefits both nations, while any advantage given to Putin does not.”
Heated Exchange in the Oval Office
The widely publicized meeting, which was broadcast live by multiple media outlets, saw Trump and Zelenskyy engaging in a verbal back-and-forth over the ongoing war in Ukraine. The discussion became particularly intense in its final moments, ultimately leading Zelenskyy to leave the White House without signing a critical minerals agreement with the U.S.
At one point, Vance criticized Zelenskyy for raising disagreements in front of the press, calling it “disrespectful” to debate such issues in public. “I think these conversations are better held behind closed doors,” Vance asserted.
Trump, however, took a different stance. “I think it’s good for the American people to see what’s going on,” he interjected.
The conversation grew more contentious when Trump accused Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War II” and questioned whether the Ukrainian leader had shown sufficient gratitude for U.S. military aid. When Zelenskyy attempted to respond, Trump cut him off, saying, “You’ve done a lot of talking.”
As the meeting concluded, Trump remarked, “You’re not acting thankful, and that’s not a nice thing. This is going to be great television.”
The exchange has sparked strong reactions from lawmakers and the public, with some praising Trump’s tough stance while others worry about the implications for U.S.-Ukraine relations.
For those interested, the full video of the meeting is available online .
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