Zelensky refuses to apologize for spat with Trump

Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has defended his behavior at the White House, claiming he was unsure whether he had done anything “bad” when repeatedly pressed by Fox News’ Bret Baier on whether he owed an apology for what President Donald Trump described as disrespect toward the American people.

In an interview with Fox News on Friday, Zelensky was asked directly whether he felt he had disrespected Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and the American people – and whether he needed to apologize. The Ukrainian leader first expressed gratitude for all the assistance the US has provided but insisted that “tough dialogue” was 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 accusations of “disrespect” and whether he “owed an apology,” Zelensky denied having done 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 he believed 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 Office

GO 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 added, without clarifying whether he intended 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 he was “in no position to dictate” and accusing him of failing to show gratitude for the aid Washington had 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 emphasized that while the US seeks a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, he believed Zelensky was 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.”