Trump isn’t the first US commander in chief to lose patience with Zelenskyy: resurfaced 2022 report

Months after war broke out between Russia and Ukraine, a resurfaced 2022 NBC News report sheds light on a fiery private phone call between then-President Joe Biden and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The report details a tense exchange where Biden allegedly lost his temper and called on Ukraine to show more gratitude towards the U.S. for its support.

During the call, Biden had just approved another $1 billion in U.S. military assistance for Ukraine when Zelenskyy began listing additional help he needed but wasn’t receiving. This reportedly led Biden to raise his voice and express frustration, emphasizing the generosity of the American people and the hard work being done to assist Ukraine.

The phone call took place just months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and while the exchange was described as heated, Biden administration officials noted that the relationship between the two leaders ultimately improved following the call.

The resurfaced report comes on the heels of a recent meeting between President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Zelenskyy, where tensions also ran high. Vance pressed Zelenskyy on his gratitude towards the U.S., while Trump urged the Ukraine leader to leave the White House until he was ready for peace.

The White House meeting grew particularly tense towards the end, with Vance accusing Zelenskyy of disrespect and questioning his handling of the conflict. Zelenskyy fired back, asserting that every nation faced challenges during war and warning that the U.S. would also feel the impact in the future.

Trump, in turn, criticized Zelenskyy for what he perceived as a lack of appreciation and for risking World War III with his actions. Vance echoed these sentiments, urging Zelenskyy to acknowledge the support provided by the U.S. in their efforts to save Ukraine.

Despite the heated exchange, Zelenskyy maintained his gratitude towards the American people and President Trump for their support during the conflict. While calls for an apology were made, Zelenskyy stood by his actions and expressed respect for Trump and the U.S.

Following the meeting, Zelenskyy traveled to the UK to discuss a peace plan with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had also consulted with Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron on the matter. European leaders are set to convene in London to further develop the peace plan, underscoring the ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

The resurfaced report and recent developments highlight the complexities and tensions surrounding international relations in the midst of conflict, underscoring the importance of diplomacy and cooperation in seeking peace and stability.