The war of words between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sparked reactions from Northeast Ohio's Ukrainian community.
During a heated Oval Office meeting Friday, the two leaders clashed over the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, a conflict that has now entered its third year. What was intended as a diplomatic discussion quickly turned contentious.
Trump, addressing Zelenskyy, suggested Ukraine's future largely depended on U.S. support.
"I don't think you'll be a tough guy without the United States," Trump said. "Your people are very brave, but you're either going to make a deal, or we're out."
The conversation grew even more tense as Trump told his Ukrainian counterpart, "You're gambling with World War III." Zelenskyy pushed back, saying "We are staying strong in our country. From the very beginning of the war, we‘ve been alone, and we are thankful (for U.S. support)." The meeting ended with Zelenskyy leaving the White House earlier than expected.
For Dr. George Jaskiw, president of the United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio, watching the exchange was jarring.
"It was like none other that I've ever watched," Jaskiw said, noting that the raised voices and interruptions were "not the way to best reach agreements."
Jaskiw, who has followed the war closely, laments how the conflict has been marked by tragedy.
"There have been children trafficked, women raped, civilians killed, prisoners of war murdered," he explained.
Bryant McCray reports.