I don’t owe an apology to Donald Trump, says Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Hours after a heated exchange with US President Donald Trump and vice-president J.D. Vance at Oval Office meeting, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stood his ground, making it clear that he saw no reason to apologise.

His focus remains on achieving a "just and lasting peace" to ensure that Russia cannot launch further attacks on Ukraine.

The stormy exchange with Trump and Vance reportedly stemmed from disagreements over US military aid and Ukraine's long-term security. While Trump warned Zelenskyy about the risks of escalating the conflict, Zelenskyy pushed back, emphasising the need for continued support to prevent future Russian aggression.

In his much-anticipated prime-time interview with Brett Baier of Fox News, Zelenskyy acknowledged that the Oval Office exchange "was not good" but stood by his role in it. Rather than expressing regret, he defended the conversation, calling it "open" and "honest" — a discussion between friends who may disagree but remain committed to a shared goal.

Zelenskyy's remarks suggest that despite the tension with Trump and Vance, he still views the US as a crucial ally. However, the meeting’s fallout and the uncertain future of US aid raise concerns about how Ukraine will navigate its war strategy and diplomatic ties moving forward.

the Oval Office pool spray, which is typically a ceremonial moment for photo ops and brief statements, turned into a dramatic and confrontational exchange between President Donald Trump, vice president J.D. Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The American leaders accused Zelenskyy of disrespecting the White House and the US for his remarks and the Ukrainian President accused them of not feeling the frustration of being at the receiving end of an invasion.

The two sides did not sign an agreement that was the purpose of the visit to give the US rights to Ukraine's reserves of rare earth minerals and other natural resources in return partly for the contributions made towards Kyiv's war efforts.

"I think that we have to be very open and very honest and I'm not sure that we did something bad," Zelenskyy replied to a question if he owed President Trump an apology, which stemmed from the Fox News host's presumption of guilt on part of the Ukrainian president, as alleged by President Trump and Vance, both of whom have accused the visiting leader of being disrespectful.

Some Republican lawmakers, including Lindsey Graham, a steadfast support of Ukraine's fightback against Russia, attacked Zelenskyy, accusing him of showing disrespect instead of gratitude for the US support.

Pressed by the interviewer on whether the public spat in the Oval Office served his cause well, Zelenskyy said, "This is, is not good for both sides."

But, he added, "I can't, you know, change our Ukrainian attitude to Russia."

With IANS inputs