Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has refused to apologize following a tense Oval Office meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The diplomatic standoff, which quickly escalated into a heated exchange, has sparked further controversy surrounding U.S. support for Ukraine.
Zelensky, speaking in his first major interview since the White House confrontation, told Fox News that he stands by his remarks and wants Trump to be “more on our side” in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
White House Showdown
The Oval Office meeting on Friday started with formalities but soon spiraled out of control when Zelensky clashed with Vice President JD Vance, who has previously expressed skepticism over continued U.S. aid to Ukraine.
Trump reportedly took offense to the way Zelensky addressed his vice president in front of the media, escalating tensions further.
When asked directly by Fox News anchor Bret Baier whether he owed Trump an apology, Zelensky twice dodged the question before firmly refusing.
“I’m not sure we did something bad,” he said, instead expressing gratitude to the American people and Congress for their continued support.
“We are thankful to Americans for all your support, you did a lot. I’m thankful to President Trump and Congress’ bipartisan support. You helped us a lot from the very beginning, you helped us to survive. We are strategic partners.”
Zelensky Calls for U.S. to Take a Stronger Stance
Despite the contentious exchange, Zelensky emphasized his need for Trump to stand firmly against Russian aggression.
“I want President Trump to be more on our side,” he said. “Trump said he will stop the war, and I hope he will. We need to pressure him with Europe.
Zelensky also pushed back against Trump’s claims that Ukraine has been unwilling to negotiate an end to the war, insisting that his country seeks a “just and lasting peace.”
“Peace is not just the absence of war,” Zelensky stated, quoting former U.S. President Ronald Reagan.
He also dismissed Trump’s claims that Ukraine is unwilling to cooperate in diplomatic talks.
“We want peace, that’s why we are in the U.S. The deal on minerals is the first step to security guarantees, it’s the first step closer to peace. We have a tough situation, to understand it is to be in Ukraine.”
Trump, Vance Fire Back
Reports suggest that Trump and Vance expected more gratitude from Zelensky during the meeting, given the billions of dollars the U.S. has provided in military aid.
At one point, Vance reportedly challenged Zelensky directly:
“Have you said thank you once?” Vance asked.
Zelensky, visibly frustrated, shot back: “I said it a lot of times.”
The confrontation worsened when Vance suggested Ukraine has used “propaganda tours” to shape foreign opinions.
“I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country, Mr. President,” Vance said.
Zelensky fired back: “Have you ever been to Ukraine?”
Vance, who has previously stated that he “doesn’t care what happens to Ukraine”, replied:
“I’ve actually watched and seen the stories, and I know what happens is you bring people. You bring them on a propaganda tour, Mr. President.”
What’s Next?
Following the fiery White House exchange, speculation is growing over the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. Trump, who has criticized the level of U.S. aid to Kyiv, is expected to take a harder stance on military funding if re-elected.
Meanwhile, Zelensky remains firm, insisting that Ukraine will continue fighting for its sovereignty, regardless of diplomatic tensions.
“It’s very clear that Americans and Europeans are our best friends. It doesn’t mean that we don’t want peace, but we recognize the reality of the situation.”
With the U.S. election approaching, the meeting has intensified debate over America’s role in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, with the possibility of further negotiations or funding cuts on the horizon.
