Biden 'lost temper, shouted' at Zelensky in tense phone call: report
US President Joe Biden gestures as he meets with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, US, September 1, 2021. PHOTO: REUTERS
United States President Joe Biden lost his temper and shouted at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a phone call in June, NBC News reported on Monday.
According to the report, the tense exchange reportedly came on June 15 when Biden called Zelensky to relay news that he had secured $1 billion in defence and humanitarian funding for the country.
However, Zelensky reportedly did not express an ample amount of gratitude and began listing more things his country needed. Biden then raised his voice, saying the American people were already being very generous, according to the report.
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The Ukrainian president soon released a video statement thanking the US for its support. The report also said that the administration officials reportedly disagreed with claims that Biden had shouted at Zelensky, saying instead that he had been "direct".
The report further said that the pair are said to have since improved their relationship and have secured tens of billions in additional funding for Ukraine.
The report comes at a time when Joe Biden faces resistance from some Republicans and Democrats with respect to providing aid to Ukraine as he seeks another package for the war-ravaged country.