'You're gambling with World War III': Trump to Zelensky in Oval Office

Mr Donald Trump and Mr Volodymyr Zelensky's meeting veered sharply off track in front of the television cameras on Feb 28.

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WASHINGTON - Mr Donald Trump and Mr Volodymyr Zelensky's meeting veered sharply off track in front of the television cameras on Feb 28.

Here are the highlights, word for word, from when Mr Zelensky, Mr Trump and US Vice-President J.D. Vance started sparring verbally in the Oval Office.

Zelensky: What kind of diplomacy, J.D., are you asking about? What do you mean?

Vance: I'm talking about the kind of diplomacy that's going to end the destruction of your country.

Zelensky: Yes, but if you...

Vance: Mr President, with respect, I think it's disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media. Right now, you guys are going around and forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems. You should be thanking the President.

Zelensky: Have you ever been to Ukraine to see the problems we have?