Transcription
For four years, the United States had a president who spoke toughly about Vladimir Putin at press conferences. Then Putin invaded Ukraine, devastating a large part of the country. Perhaps the path to peace and prosperity lies in diplomacy. We tried Joe Biden's approach of chest-thumping, pretending the president's words held more weight than his actions. America's strength lies in diplomacy; that's what President Trump is doing.
Can I ask you a question?
Yes.
He occupied large parts of Ukraine, including eastern regions and Crimea, in 2014. This occupation continued for many years, under Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden. Nobody stopped him in 2014; he occupied, took, and killed people. The situation remained the same from 2014 to 2022, with people dying along the contact line. Nobody stopped him. We had many conversations, bilateral talks, and in 2019, I, along with Macron and Merkel, signed a ceasefire agreement with him, and a gas contract. He broke the ceasefire, killed our people, and didn't exchange prisoners as agreed. What kind of diplomacy are you talking about?
I'm talking about diplomacy that will end the destruction of your country.
With respect, Mr. President, it's disrespectful to litigate this before the American media in the Oval Office. You're forcing conscripts to the front lines due to manpower shortages. You should thank the president for trying to end this. Have you even been to Ukraine? I've seen the reports and know what happens when you bring people on propaganda tours. Do you disagree that you've had problems recruiting soldiers? Is it respectful to attack the administration trying to prevent your country's destruction in the Oval Office?
Many questions. Let's start from the beginning. Everyone faces problems during war, even you. You have a nice ocean now, but you'll feel it later.
God bless you. You won't have war.
Don't tell us what we'll feel. We're trying to solve a problem.
I'm not; you're in no position to dictate what we feel. We'll feel very good and strong. You're not in a good position right now. You've put yourself in a bad one. You've been in a bad position from the beginning of the war. You don't have the cards. You're gambling with the lives of millions and risking World War III. That's disrespectful to this country. Have you thanked us once during this meeting?
No.
You campaigned in Pennsylvania for the opposition in October. Offer some appreciation for the United States and the president trying to save your country. You think speaking loudly about the war will help? Your country is in big trouble.
I know you're not winning. You have a good chance of coming out okay because of us. We've stood by you from the start.
I said thanks. This cabinet gave you $350 billion and military equipment. Your men are brave, but they'd need our equipment. Without it, this war would have been over in a week or two – Putin said three days.
It's hard to do business like this. Just say thank you. I've expressed my gratitude to the American people, acknowledging our disagreements. Let's address those disagreements instead of fighting in the American media. We know when you're wrong, but it's good for the American people to see this. That’s why I let this go on so long. You should be thankful. You don't have the cards; your people are dying; you're running low on soldiers.
I don't want a ceasefire. I want to win. If you could get a ceasefire, take it. Of course, we want to stop the war, but you said you don't want a ceasefire. We want guarantees. Ask your people what they think about a ceasefire.
That wasn't my decision. That was Biden, who wasn't smart. Obama gave you sheets; I gave you Javelins. You need to be more thankful. Without us, you have no cards.
One more question, Mr. Vice President. This will be a tough deal because attitudes must change. What if Russia breaks the ceasefire?
It's a conversation. What if a bomb drops on your head? They broke it with Biden because they didn't respect him or Obama; they respect me. Putin went through a phony witch hunt – Russia, Russia, Russia – you know that deal? That was a phony Hunter Biden-Joe Biden-Hillary Clinton-Shifty Adam Schiff Democrat scam. He went through that; we didn't go to war. He was accused of things he didn't do. It came from Hunter Biden's bathroom and bedroom; it was disgusting. They said the laptop from hell was made by Russia, a 51-agent scheme, a whole scam. He had to put up with it. He might have broken deals with Obama, Bush, and Biden, but not with me. He wants to make a deal. I don't know if you can. I've empowered you; I don't think you'd be tough without the US. Your people are brave, but you'll either make a deal or fight it out. You don't have the cards, but once we sign that deal, you'll be in a much better position. You're not acting thankful, and that's not nice.
I think we've seen enough.
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