Get Carter star reacts with famous film reference to tense Zelensky and Trump clash

Iconic British actor Michael Caine has offered a terse reaction to the tumultuous meeting in the White House, which saw Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky face off with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Amidst tension over a minerals agreement that would extend US military aid for Ukrainian natural resource access, Zelensky's abrupt departure from Washington DC put the deal on ice after being admonished for not showing enough gratitude for US support.

"You're gambling with millions of people ... You're gambling with World War Three," was Trump's stark caution to Zelensky during their dialogue.

For ongoing updates on the event, follow the live blog HERE.

Amid a flurry of international responses to the fiery dispute, Michael Caine, known for his roles in 'Zulu' and 'The Italian Job', distilled his opinion into a single line, playfully referencing one of his most famous cinematic phrases: "You're only supposed to sign a ceasefire."

It is a wry twist on often quoted line from The Italian Job: "You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off".

Mr Zelensky had issued a stark warning during the confrontation, intimating that if American backing waned, it would have repercussions for the US in times ahead.

"Don't tell us what we're going to feel. We're trying to solve a problem," Mr Trump fired back sharply. U.S. vice president JD Vance also weighed in, criticising President Zelensky's apparent lack of appreciation for American support.

Mr Vance confronted the Ukrainian leader, stating: "Mr President, with respect, I think it's disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media. Right now, you guys are going around and forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems. You should be thanking the president for bringing an end to this conflict."

In the aftermath of the tense exchange at the White House, Downing Street revealed Sir Keir Starmer’s efforts to heal the rift between Ukraine and the USA. A spokeswoman from No 10 announced: "The Prime Minister has tonight spoken to both President Trump and President Zelensky."

She further elaborated on Britain’s stance, saying, "He maintains unwavering support for Ukraine, and is doing everything possible to find a path towards lasting peace based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine."

These developments followed a demonstration of European solidarity with Mr Zelensky, as France's President Emmanuel Macron, Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen joined in backing the beleaguered nation.

Following the gathering, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch emphasised the need for "respectable diplomacy", highlighting that a "divided West only benefits Russia". In contrast, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has proposed that Mr Trump's invitation for a second state visit should be rescinded.