Volodymyr Zelensky has refused to apologize for his heated exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office but remains hopeful that the relationship can be mended. The confrontation occurred when the Ukrainian president was accused by Vance of “disrespecting” the U.S., with Trump echoing the sentiment, adding that Ukraine’s actions were “gambling with World War Three.”
Speaking later to Fox News on Friday, Zelensky defended his actions, stating, “I’m not sure we did something bad. I think maybe some things we have to discuss outside the media.” The clash came during a meeting that was meant to finalize a vital minerals deal, but it fell apart after Zelensky repeatedly raised the issue of U.S. security guarantees as part of a potential peace agreement with Russia. Following the exchange, Zelensky left the meeting without signing the deal.
A senior White House official confirmed that Trump is no longer interested in reviving the minerals deal. Meanwhile, European leaders have rallied in support of Zelensky, condemning the attack from Trump and Vance. Sir Keir Starmer expressed his “unwavering support” for Ukraine, stating he had spoken to both Zelensky and Trump following the incident.
Sir Bill Browder, a former major investor in Russia, suggested that Trump had sabotaged the meeting to preserve his image after realizing that Russian President Vladimir Putin was not serious about a peace deal. “The easiest way for Trump to save face from his promise to end the war is to blow up his meeting with Zelensky and blame him for the breakdown,” Browder said, adding that the U.K. and the EU would now have to step up their support for Ukraine.
Despite the tensions, Zelensky urged the international community not to forget about Ukraine, posting a message on Telegram alongside a video from a meeting with Ukrainian citizens in Washington. “It is very important for us that Ukraine is heard and that no one forgets about it,” he wrote, thanking global supporters for their ongoing political, financial, and diplomatic backing.