WEB DESK: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stood firm and declined to apologise after a confrontational meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday.
Speaking to Fox News’ Bret Baier, Zelenskyy declined to respond on whether he owed Trump an apology for the heated exchange.
After the talks between the two leaders took an unexpected nosedive at the Oval Office, Zelenskyy acknowledged that the situation was “not good for both sides,” yet he held his ground, saying, “No. I respect the President. And I respect American people. I’m not sure we did something bad.”
The discussions, which were meant to center around U.S. military aid and an economic partnership deal granting America access to Ukraine’s critical minerals, quickly spiraled into a contentious back-and-forth. Vice President JD Vance lauded Trump’s direct negotiations with Russia over ending the war, but Zelenskyy dismissed Russia as an unreliable diplomatic partner. This led to Vance calling Zelenskyy “disrespectful” to Trump.
”When they say Ukraine is almost destroyed, that our soldiers run away, that they aren’t heroes, that we lost millions of civilians, the president is a dictator, what is the reaction? Its not about me. The reaction is, where’s the friendship between Ukraine & the US?”
”When they say Ukraine is almost destroyed, that our soldiers run away, that they aren’t heroes, that we lost millions of civilians, the president is a dictator, what is the reaction? Its not about me. The reaction is, where’s the friendship between Ukraine & the US?” said Zelenskyy
During the charged conversation, Trump accused Zelenskyy of prolonging the war while being in a weak diplomatic position and heavily relying on American resources. “You don’t have the cards right now. You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III,” Trump warned, further stating, “What you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country that’s backed you.”
Zelenskyy Thanks America But… Zelenskyy, while expressing gratitude for the support from the U.S., maintained his stance: “I’m very thankful to Americans for all your support. You did a lot. I’m thankful to President Trump and to Congress for bipartisan support.” However, he voiced concern over the deteriorating diplomatic relations, asking, “Where is our friendship?”
Amid speculation about Trump’s close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Baier questioned Zelenskyy on whether Trump was too friendly with Russia. “I want him to be in the middle,” Zelenskyy responded. “I want him to be on our side.”
Despite the clash, Zelenskyy insisted that his relationship with Trump could still be repaired, affirming, “Yes, of course.” He concluded the interview by expressing regret over the public fallout, but stopped short of apologizing directly to Trump. “We are thankful and sorry for this. I mean this, we wanted very much to have strong relations.”
With the future of U.S.- Ukraine relations now uncertain, the fallout from this explosive meeting could have far-reaching consequences for both nations.
