DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado leaders are commenting on a heated conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that happened in the Oval Office on Friday.

Zelenskyy came to Washington, D.C., to discuss a deal that would grant the U.S. limited access to natural resources in Ukraine. Trump has said this deal would have been a step toward a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

The last 10 minutes of the nearly 45-minute engagement turned into a tense back and forth between Trump, Vance and Zelenskyy — who had urged skepticism about Russia’s commitment to diplomacy, citing Moscow’s years of broken commitments on the global stage.

“I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country,” Vance responded before tearing into the Ukrainian leader.

“Again, just say thank you,” Vance interjected to Zelenskyy, blasting him for litigating “disagreements” in front of the press. Trump, though, suggested he was fine with the drama. “I think it’s good for the American people to see what’s going on,” he added.

Zelenskyy tried to object, prompting Trump to raise his voice and say, “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people.”

“It’s going to be a very hard thing to do business like this,” Trump told Zelenskyy at one point, as the two leaders talked over each other about past international support for Ukraine.

According to a NewsNation reporter, Trump later reportedly directed Zelenskyy to leave before any deal was reached.

Colorado democrats react to Oval Office meeting

Local government officials have mixed feelings on the interaction, with some condemning and others applauding how Trump and Vance handled the conversation.

Here are some statements released by political leaders across the state on Friday:

Gov. Jared Polis

Gov. Jared Polis released a statement following the meeting, saying Colorado will continue to stand with Ukraine.

“In Colorado, we support freedom and we will not cater to a brutal Russian dictator who is no friend to America, our interests or future. Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Putin’s illegal and brutal invasion of their country is critical for their freedom, the future of the Ukrainian people and important for American global safety and national security.  America plays a crucial role in supporting our international allies and protecting democracy abroad, Colorado continues to stand with Ukraine,” Polis said.

Sen. Michael Bennet

U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released a statement, saying in part, “Every time President Trump opens his mouth, including with his lack of self-control in the Oval Office today, he weakens Ukraine’s bargaining position, and ours, and makes the world more dangerous.”

Bennet went on to say that he has had several conversations with Zelenskyy, which always ended with the Ukrainian President thanking the American people for their support as well as President Trump and former President Joe Biden

“This is incompetence across the board. And it is American people, along with our allies and partners, who will pay the price,” Bennet wrote.

Sen. John Hickenlooper

“Ukraine is a democratic ally fighting for their very existence against a Russian invasion. Attacking our ally instead of Putin is reckless and dangerous,” Hickenlooper wrote in a post on X.

Rep. Jason Crow

Rep. Jason Crow commented on the conversation in a video posted on X, saying that Trump turned his back on American leadership and democracy.

“I’m completely shocked what we just saw come out of the white house today as President Trump and Vice President Vance literally attacked one of our closest allies and friends and disparaging President Zelenskyy and turning their backs on democracy and freedom, and basically prostrating themselves to Vladimir Putin and Kremlin, and turning the meaning into Kremlin propaganda. And it is more than just shocking, it actually is an advocaton of American leadership decades of building American leadership and American influence in power around the world is being squandered before our very eyes by this president who doesnt understand that the fight for democracy and freedom happens every day around the world and that the words, what he says in the oval office carry great big meaning. So what happened, just to be very clear, is going to embolden dictators and autocrats, and strong men around the world will have a free pass to do what they want and everybody is going to be less safe as a result of it,” Crow said.

Rep. Brittany Pettersen

“I’m horrified by the way President Zelensky was treated by Trump and Vance in their Oval Office meeting today. Once again, Ukraine is a democratic ally that was invaded by Russia. It is stunning that the US is now siding with dictators and not standing up for freedom, democracy, and global stability. I’m deeply concerned for the people in Ukraine and our country’s long-term national security,” Rep. Brittany Pettersen said in a statement posted on X.

Rep. Diana DeGette

“The behavior of President Trump and Vice President Vance towards President Zelensky is shocking, disrespectful, and un-American. Ukraine is defending its sovereignty against an aggressive adversary, and the United States must stand with Ukraine against Putin’s illegal invasion. Unfortunately, the only person happy about how this played out is Putin,” Rep. Diana DeGette wrote in a statement posted on X.

Colorado republicans react to Oval Office meeting

FOX31 asked Colorado’s republican representatives for comments on the meeting but has not received responses as of Saturday morning.

Rep. Lauren Boebert posted a short statement on X, writing, “Zelenskyy just learned that Donald Trump and JD Vance are not Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.”

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, was among the senators who met with Zelenskyy Friday morning. He said he was “devastated” by the heated exchange.

“Devastated. Everything I … have been working for to try to get a new relationship with the United States around a critical minerals deal beneficial to both of us was completely obliterated today,” Graham said on Fox News’s “America Reports.”

During the conversation, Trump said Zelenskyy was “gambling with WWIII.” In a Truth Social post, he told him to come back “when he is ready for peace.”

In a press conference after the meeting at the White House, Trump told reporters that Zelenskyy “overplayed his hand.” Trump said he might restart talks with Zelenskyy if he would say, “I want to make peace,” rather than criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

FOX31 has reached out to more Colorado leaders for comment. This article will be updated.