Franklin Graham urges end to ongoing war in Ukraine after tense Trump-Zelensky meeting

The Rev. Franklin Graham has openly called for an end to the devastating war in Ukraine, following a heated meeting involving U.S. leaders and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.

This call comes after a discussion between President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Zelensky last week, which Graham described as “tense” and ultimately unproductive.

In a social media post, Graham shared his concern that “the progress we had all hoped for is again delayed,” emphasizing the need for prayers for the people of Ukraine.

Graham, who is the CEO of both the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, noted that his organizations have been delivering much-needed aid to Ukraine since the onset of the conflict three years ago.

This war began in February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, claiming they were looking to protect pro-Russian communities in areas like Donetsk and Luhansk.

In the early days of the invasion, disaster response specialists from Samaritan’s Purse rushed to Poland and Romania to assist refugees fleeing the chaos.

Graham even delivered an Easter sermon in Ukraine in April 2022, underscoring his commitment to the country’s suffering people.

The exchange during the Oval Office meeting was marked by tension, particularly when Zelensky pushed back against Vance’s suggestion that the Trump administration’s approach to Russia should be reconsidered.

During this back-and-forth, Trump firmly stated, “You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel,” while predicting outcomes that highlighted his belief in U.S. strength.

Trump also warned that Zelensky’s actions were “gambling with the lives of millions of people,” addressing the heavy stakes involved.

At one point, Trump’s remarks implied dissatisfaction with Zelensky’s gratitude toward U.S. support, prompting Vance to question the Ukrainian president’s acknowledgment of their backing.

The meeting ended abruptly, with Trump disallowing any scheduled press conference or further agreements between the nations.

Afterward, Trump took to social media to characterize the meeting as “very meaningful,” while expressing doubts about Zelensky’s readiness to pursue peace. He emphasized his desire for a peaceful resolution rather than a tactical advantage in negotiations.