Zelensky defends Oval Office exchange, says he did nothing wrong
Hours after a heated exchange in the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remained defiant, stating he had done nothing wrong that warranted an apology. He emphasized that further steps in peace negotiations would depend on the US position regarding his demand for a “just and lasting peace” to prevent future Russian aggression.
In a widely anticipated prime-time interview with Brett Baier on Fox News, Zelensky acknowledged that the Oval Office confrontation “was not good” but expressed no regrets. Instead, he described it as an “open” and “honest” discussion between friends.
The White House’s traditional Oval Office pool spray—where the US President and visiting leaders pose for pictures and take questions—escalated into a fiery clash. Former President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance accused Zelensky of disrespecting the White House and the US, while Zelensky countered that American leaders failed to understand the frustration of a country under invasion.
The two sides failed to sign an expected agreement that would have granted the US rights to Ukraine’s reserves of rare earth minerals and other natural resources, partly in return for continued American support in Kyiv’s war efforts.
When asked if he owed Trump an apology, Zelensky firmly rejected the notion. “I think that we have to be very open and very honest, and I’m not sure that we did something bad,” he said, pushing back against claims from Trump and Vance that he had been disrespectful.
Some Republican lawmakers, including longtime Ukraine supporter Senator Lindsey Graham, criticized Zelensky for what they saw as a lack of gratitude toward the US.
When pressed on whether the public dispute helped his cause, Zelensky admitted, “This is not good for both sides.” However, he remained resolute, adding, “I can’t change our Ukrainian attitude to Russia.”
