Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed what could have triggered the notable White House clash that made headlines worldwide. According to Zelensky’s claim, the argument might have kicked off with the photos he brought alongside the Ukrainian leader. Here is the incident that sparked the confrontation, striking a blow at the Ukrainian-US alliance.

Zelensky Reveals the Cause of the Conflict: The anticipated meeting between two allies at the White House in February quickly turned into a heated dispute in front of the global media.

Zelensky Explains the Trigger: Over a month after the fiery clash soured relations between the two countries, Zelensky revealed in an interview with Time magazine what might have triggered the US President. An avid fan of boxing, Zelensky came prepared with his friend, Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk’s world heavyweight championship belt intending to gift it to Trump.

First Showing the Prisoners: However, instead of the gift, a series of photos showing Ukrainian prisoners “severely weakened” during Russian captivity were presented to the US President. When Trump began examining the photos, he remarked, “This is a tough issue.”

Zelensky Not Regretful: Allegedly, the mentioned photos made Trump feel responsible for the torture inflicted on Ukrainian captives. Subsequently, the meeting descended into a “downward spiral.” Nevertheless, Zelensky does not regret showing the photos first when he tried to touch Trump’s humanity. Regarding this decision, the Ukrainian leader stated, “They have families, loved ones, children. Everyone should feel what they feel. What I wanted to show was my values. But then, the conversation shifted elsewhere.”

Asking About the Belt: When asked about the fate of the belt he brought as a gift, Zelensky responded, “I do not know. Maybe it is still there.” After the heated argument, he left the belt on the table during the scuffle. According to Time’s report, White House staff found the belt and took it to Trump’s private dining room. Termed as a “memorial of failed diplomacy,” this belt is displayed alongside other gift items like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s golden call bell and a portrait of Trump sent by Vladimir Putin.