Reportedly, a hot mic caught the Ukrainian president using offensive language towards the U.S. Vice President.
Social media users are claiming that Vladimir Zelensky was overheard using a Russian curse word during a tense exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance in the Oval Office.
Zelensky’s White House visit on Friday was cut short after his meeting with Trump and Vance reportedly escalated into a shouting match in front of reporters. The U.S. officials allegedly accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War III” due to his unwillingness to negotiate peace with Russia, and of being disrespectful and unappreciative of the significant military aid provided to Ukraine by Washington.
During the intense discussion, Vance reportedly pointed out Ukraine’s difficulties in recruiting more soldiers and suggested Ukraine should be “thanking” Trump for his efforts to resolve the conflict between Moscow and Kiev.
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray)
While the words are unclear, some Russian and Western social media accounts suggest Zelensky said, ‘suka, blyad.’ This Russian phrase, widely known as ‘cyka blyat’ online, is a vulgar expression that roughly translates to ‘b*tch whore’ or ‘b*tch, f**king hell.’
The phrase is often used to express frustration or anger rather than as a direct insult. It is also common in Ukrainian and sounds very similar.
Zelensky was in Washington to finalize an agreement giving the U.S. rights to Ukraine’s natural resources as compensation for military aid. However, the signing ceremony and press conference were canceled, and Zelensky was reportedly asked to leave early.
In a Fox News interview, Zelensky described the Oval Office meeting as “not good,” but stated he wasn’t sure if he “did anything.”
Trump reportedly told journalists that Zelensky would only be welcome back to the White House “when he is for peace.”