Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refused to apologize for the tense meeting with President Trump, stating it was harmful to both countries.
In an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, Zelensky was asked if he regretted the meeting, which was supposed to finalize a minerals deal but instead ended in a public argument. He denied any wrongdoing, saying, “No, I respect the president and I respect the American people. I think we have to be very open and honest, and I don’t think we did anything bad.”
He also said, “Sometimes, some things should be discussed privately, with respect to democracy and free media,” explaining that not all conversations should be aired publicly.
“This wasn’t good for either side,” Zelensky added. “I was open, but I can’t change Ukraine’s stance on Russia. Americans and Europeans are our best friends, and Russia, with Putin, is our enemy.”
The dispute began when Vice President Pence interrupted during the meeting, and Zelensky challenged him, saying, “If journalists are asking questions to the president, with all respect to the vice president, this is our dialogue.” Zelensky expressed frustration at Pence’s involvement, stating that it was the president’s conversation, not the vice president’s.
After the confrontation, both Trump and Zelensky were separated, and White House officials instructed the Ukrainians to leave. A planned press conference was canceled. “We wanted to continue the talks, but we were told to leave,” Zelensky said.
When Baier asked if he would ever negotiate with Putin, Zelensky responded, “We are ready for peace, but we have to be in a strong position.” He also stressed that any deal must result in “just and lasting peace.”
Zelensky added that he would like Trump to be “more on our side” and clarified, “We want strong relations, and I’m very confident we will have it.”
Before the interview, Trump had told reporters that Zelensky “overplayed his hand,” suggesting that Zelensky still wanted to fight and warning that future U.S. support could be at risk if Ukraine didn’t try to end the war.
Despite the tension, Zelensky emphasized the importance of U.S.-Ukrainian relations, saying, “We have strong relations between our people, and that’s why I always thank your people on behalf of ours.” He also expressed confidence that the relationship would recover.
Watch the clip below from Fox News.
President Zelensky tells Fox News he does not feel the need to apologize to Donald Trump:
“I respect president. And I respect American people. I’m not sure that we did something bad” 🇺🇸🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/7V78WJeajp
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) February 28, 2025
