Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during an interview with Fox News’ with Bret Baier (not pictured) February 28 in Washington, D.C. Photo: Win McNamee/ Getty Images
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he doesn’t think he needs to apologize for his public spat with President Trump and Vice President Vance at the Oval Office.
- “I am not sure we did something bad,” he said in an interview with Bret Baier Friday evening.
Why it matters: The earlier shouting match in front of the cameras led to the explosion of a meeting between the two leaders, with Trump asking Zelensky to leave the White House.
- It also took off the table, for now, the U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement that was supposed to be signed on Friday.
- The divide between the U.S. and Ukrainian leaders will likely lead to more changes in the Trump administration’s policy towards Ukraine.
- A U.S. official said Trump is considering several retaliatory steps, including stopping military assistance to Ukraine.
What they are saying: “I respect president Trump and the American people, but we have to be very honest and direct to understand each other,” Zelensky said when asked whether he regrets the exchange with Trump and Vance.
- The Ukrainian did say he thinks this discussion would have been better if it hadn’t take place in front of the cameras, per FOX News Channel’s Special Report.
- “It was not good,” he said. “I think this kind of spat is not good for both sides.”
- Zelensky stressed that he thinks his relationship with Trump can be salvaged.
The other side: Shortly before Zelensky’s interview, Trump told reporters his meeting with Zelensky “didn’t work out exactly great from his standpoint.”
- “He very much overplayed his hand,” Trump added.
- He claimed while he wants to get peace, Zelensky “is looking to go on and fight, fight, fight…he’s gotta say I want to make peace.”
In his interview, Zelensky said Ukraine wants peace and agreed to hold negotiations on ending the war. He also stressed this was the reason he visited the White House.
- “But I can’t change Ukrainian attitude towards Russia. They are killers for us. It doesn’t mean we don’t want peace. But we want (the U.S.) to recognize reality,” he said.
- While Trump said he wants a ceasefire as soon as possible, Zelensky said a ceasefire alone without security guarantees for Ukraine won’t work.
- “My people want to hear the U.S. is on our side,” he said.
