Ukraine-US talks: President Zelenskyy refuses to apologise for Oval Office spat with Trump-Vance

Asserting that he does not think he “did something bad”, Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refused to apologise for the Oval Office meltdown earlier in the day during the Ukraine-US talks with US President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.

Zelenskyy had arrived to sign a crucial minerals deal with the US which Trump had insisted upon as a condition for America’s continued support in Ukraine’s fight against Russia. However, in an unprecedented showdown at the White House, Vance and Trump accused the Ukrainian president of not being grateful to the US for its support and warned him that his actions will lead to World War III. Following the heated exchange, Zelenskyy left the White House without signing the deal.

In an interview with Fox News later, Zelenskyy, when asked whether he owes Trump an apology for the spat, said, “No. I respect the President [Donald Trump]. And I respect American people. I'm not sure we did something bad.” Emphasising that the episode was not in the best interests for both the countries, he admitted that it would be difficult for Ukraine to defend itself against Russia without US’s support.

When asked his opinion on whether the whole confrontation at the Oval Office was “pre-planned”, he said it was “a really tough situation”, and highlighted the comments made against Ukraine. Zelenskyy insisted that he wants "justice and lasting peace" in Ukraine and said that the "mineral deal is part of the structure of the security guarantee".

Commenting on the perceived closeness between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelenskyy told Fox News that he wants the US president to be on Ukraine’s side.

Following the exchange in the Oval Office, a joint press conference scheduled between Trump and Zelenskyy and a bilateral lunch were cancelled, and the White House confirmed that the minerals agreement too did not go through.

‘Ukraine won't enter peace talks with Russia until it has security guarantees’

Post the Oval Office meltdown, Zelenskyy said Ukraine would not enter peace talks with Russia until it has security guarantees against another offensive. Adding that the spat with Trump was “not good for both sides”, he said that the US president needs to understand that Ukraine can't change attitudes toward Russia every now and then.

Soon after his departure from the White House, Zelenskyy had thanked the US for its support, in a post on X.

‘President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace...’

Trump, on the other hand, in a statement after the spat with Zelenskyy, said, “We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It's amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations.

"I don't want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace.”