Conan O’Brien has made a not so subtle joke at Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin during the 97th Academy Awards.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy was invited to President Trump‘s official residence on Friday (February 28), and their meeting quickly descended into chaos.
One of the key topics of debate was Ukraine‘s ongoing war with Russia, which first began in February 2022 when the Russians invaded Ukraine.
According to the BBC, 95,000 people fighting for Russia’s military have now died as the war, while over 46,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed on the battlefield, says The Kyiv Independant.
With the thousands of lives lost, heads of state from across the globe are keen to bring an end to the conflict — Trump included.
Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office on Friday (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
But the meeting on Friday quickly descended into chaos, as Trump warned Zelenskyy that he’s ‘gambling with World War 3’.
Raising his voice, Trump said: “You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel. We’re going to feel very good. We’re going to feel very good and very strong. You’re right now, not in a very good position, you’ve allowed yourself to be in a very bad position.
“You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards … You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people! You’re gambling with World War Three! You’re gambling with World War III. And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country – this country.”
As we’ve become accustomed to over the years, the Oscars is never shy to discuss politics.
And while discussing Anora’s success at the Oscars so far, host O’Brien said: “Anora’s doing great tonight. Two awards. I think Americans are finally ready for someone to stand up to a powerful Russian,” which is of course a reference to the recent drama involving President Trump.
Following the televised meeting, Zelenskyy took to social media to speak out following his visit to Washington.
He wrote on Twitter: “Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
Trump issued a statement of his own, penning on his social media platform Truth Social: “We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure.
“It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelensky is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations.
“I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
