Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed confidence on Friday that relations between Ukraine and the United States could still be restored, despite an intense confrontation with Donald Trump in the White House.
During a heated exchange, Trump angrily accused Zelensky of resisting peace talks with Russia.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Zelensky was asked whether his relationship with Trump could be repaired. “Of course,” he responded, stressing that US-Ukrainian relations extend beyond the individuals in power.
He underscored Ukraine’s dire need for continued American support in its battle against Russia’s superior military forces. “It will be difficult without your support,” he told Fox News, a network closely followed by Trump.
Zelensky’s remarks came in the aftermath of a dramatic Oval Office encounter, where longstanding US backing for Ukraine appeared to falter during an explosive discussion.
The dispute resulted in Zelensky leaving the White House prematurely, without signing a crucial minerals-sharing agreement that had been viewed as a stepping stone toward a US-brokered peace deal.
During the altercation, which unfolded in front of reporters, Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Zelensky, accusing him of lacking gratitude and rejecting their proposed truce conditions.
“You don’t have the cards right now,” Trump declared. “Either you make a deal, or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll have to fight it out—and I don’t think that will go well for you.”
Following the clash, Trump took to social media, stating that he (Zelensky) can return when he’s ready for peace.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later confirmed that the Ukrainian delegation had been “asked to leave the room” and subsequently “asked to leave the building.”
Speaking to Fox News afterward, Zelensky stood firm, refusing to apologise for the exchange.
“I’m not sure we did anything wrong,” he said, though he admitted he wished the discussion had not taken place in front of journalists.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CNN that Zelensky should “apologise for wasting our time.”
Dispute Over Peace Talks with Russia
The confrontation arose after Trump insisted Ukraine must make “compromises” to secure a ceasefire with Russia. Zelensky rejected the notion, stating, “There can be no compromise with a killer occupying our land.”
Tensions escalated further when Zelensky pointed out that previous Western-backed negotiations had failed to curb Russia’s aggression.
Vance interjected, branding him “disrespectful,” leading to an uncomfortable standoff as Trump and Vance continued to berate the Ukrainian president.
Trump’s stance has unsettled both Kyiv and European allies, as he positions himself as a mediator rather than a staunch supporter of Ukraine.
He has also declined to criticise Russia’s invasion and claimed to have engaged in multiple undisclosed discussions with Vladimir Putin.
Last week, Trump went as far as labelling Zelensky a “dictator” while expressing confidence that Putin would “keep his word” on a ceasefire.
Zelensky, however, remains hopeful that Trump could ultimately adopt a more supportive approach. “I wish he were truly on our side,” he told Fox News.
Meanwhile, the war on the ground continued, with Ukrainian officials reporting fresh Russian assaults near the border region of Kursk on Friday.
