Following a tense and highly publicized exchange during Ukraine-US talks on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refused to apologize for the incident in an exclusive interview with Fox News.  

While standing firm on his position, Zelenskyy acknowledged that the episode was “not good for both sides.” He also expressed concern that defending Ukraine against Russia would become more challenging if the US withdrew its support. Regretting that the confrontation with the US President was televised, he stated, “Please be correct. I want to be polite.”  

When asked whether he owed President Trump an apology, Zelenskyy responded, “No. I respect the President, and I respect the American people. I’m not sure we did anything wrong.”  

Addressing whether the Oval Office altercation was pre-planned, Zelenskyy described the situation as “really tough” and pointed to strong remarks made about Ukraine during the discussion. Referring to the US, he asked, “Where is our friendship?”  

Reaffirming his commitment to “justice and lasting peace” in Ukraine, he emphasized that the “mineral deal is part of the security guarantee structure.”  

Commenting on Trump’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin—amid accusations that Trump is Putin’s “lap dog”—Fox News host Bret Baier asked whether Trump was too close to the Russian leader. Zelenskyy replied, “I want him to be in the middle. I want him to be on our side.”  

When questioned about the possibility of mending ties with Trump after Friday’s confrontation, Zelenskyy affirmed, “Yes, of course.”  

Concluding the interview, the Ukrainian President expressed regret over the heated exchange but did not extend an apology to Trump. “We are thankful and sorry for this. I mean it—we wanted very much to have strong relations,” he said.  

(ANI)