Zelensky refuses to apologize for spat with Trump
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has defended his behavior at the White House, saying he is not sure whether he “did anything bad,” following a tense exchange with US President Donald Trump and VP J.D. Vance. He was responding to a question by Fox News’ Bret Baier on whether he should apologize for what Trump described as disrespect toward the American people.
In an interview with Fox News on Friday, Zelensky was asked whether he felt he had disrespected Trump, Vance, and the American people. He responded by first expressing gratitude for all the assistance the US has provided, but insisted that “tough dialogue” is 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 pressed him again on whether he “owed an apology,” Zelensky denied that he did anything wrong.
“No, I respect the president, and I respect the American people… I’m not sure we did anything bad,” Zelensky said, adding that some matters should be discussed privately.
🚨 #BREAKING: Zelensky refuses MULTIPLE TIMES to apologize to President Trump after disrespecting him and our country in the Oval OfficeGO HOME, Zelensky.Your time is over. We're done with you. pic.twitter.com/GMvrYMcqu5
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 28, 2025
“I think maybe sometimes some things we have to discuss outside the media, with all respect to democracy and to free media,” he said, without clarifying whether he intends to apologize to Trump in private.
Earlier in the day, Trump hosted Zelensky at the White House, where the two were expected to sign a major deal granting the US rights to Ukrainian mineral resource deposits. However, the meeting quickly escalated into a heated argument, with Trump telling Zelensky that he is “in no position to dictate,” and accusing him of failing to show gratitude for the aid Washington has provided to Kiev.
“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 after the meeting.
Speaking to reporters, Trump stressed that while the US seeks a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, he believes Zelensky is more focused on securing long-term American involvement.
“We’re looking for peace. We’re not looking for somebody that’s going to sign up a strong power and then not make peace because they feel emboldened,” Trump said. “We’re not looking to go into a 10-year war… This is a man that wants to get us signed up and keep fighting.”
