Source: Graham's briefing on the White House lawn on February 28, "Voice of America"
Direct quote: "I think Ukraine and America are important, but whether Zelensky can reach an agreement with the U.S. after what has happened, I do not know.
What President Trump said, he was shocked. We told Zelensky that we would discuss security guarantees and other matters, and this would have been a $500 billion deal, a deal that Trump would have been proud of, but Zelensky behaved terribly at the meeting and I think convincing the American people that he is a good business partner is virtually impossible.
Zelensky either needs to resign, or send someone who can do business, or he needs to change."
Details: Graham mentioned that he met with Zelensky in the morning and urged him "not to take the bait," but according to the senator, the behavior of the Ukrainian president in the Oval Office was "disrespectful," hence there will be no business with Zelensky.
In Graham's view, Americans will agree that how Zelensky opposed Trump was simply "beyond the pale."
Recall:
- Vladimir Zelensky left the White House early on Friday after an argument with Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.
- The mineral agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine fell through.
- Trump stated that the Ukrainian president "disregarded" the United States, and that Vladimir Zelensky is "not ready for peace".