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During the Ukrainian leader’s visit to the White House, a heated exchange occurred with President Trump and Vice President Vance.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky stood by his actions at the White House, stating he wasn’t sure if he did anything “bad.” This came after Fox News’ Bret Baier repeatedly questioned him on whether he should apologize for what President Donald Trump deemed disrespectful toward the American people.
In a Friday interview with Fox News, Zelensky was directly asked if he had disrespected Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and the American people, and if he needed to apologize. Zelensky first acknowledged the US’s aid but asserted that “tough dialogue” was necessary between “strategic partners.”
“And even in such tough dialogue, I think we have to be very honest, and we have to be very direct to understand each other…,” Zelensky said.
When Baier again pressed him on the accusations of “disrespect” and whether he “owed an apology,” Zelensky maintained he had not acted improperly.
“No, I respect the president, and I respect the American people… I’m not sure we did anything bad,” Zelensky stated, suggesting some matters are better discussed privately.
🚨 : Zelensky refuses MULTIPLE TIMES to apologize to President Trump after disrespecting him and our country in the Oval Office
GO HOME, Zelensky.
Your time is over. We’re done with you.
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor)
“I think maybe sometimes some things we have to discuss outside the media, with all respect to democracy and to free media,” he added, without clarifying whether he would apologize to Trump privately.
Earlier that day, Trump hosted Zelensky at the White House, where a deal granting the US rights to Ukrainian mineral resources was expected. However, the meeting quickly became a tense argument, with Trump telling Zelensky he was “in no position to dictate” and accusing him of ingratitude for US aid to Ukraine.
“He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace,” Trump said in a White House statement following the meeting.
Speaking to reporters, Trump stated that while the US wants a peaceful resolution in Ukraine, he felt Zelensky was more interested in ensuring long-term American involvement.