Zelenskyy on the conflict with Trump and further actions: key statements in an interview with Fox News
On March 1, after a loud dispute with US President Donald Trump at the White House, Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke on the air of an American TV channel Fox News, where he commented on the situation and his further actions.
About the relationship with Donald Trump
The presenter asked Zelensky if he plans to apologize to Trump after their conflict. To this, the president replied that he did not feel guilty for his behavior and believed that he had done nothing wrong.
“I respect the president and I respect the American people. I don’t think we did anything wrong, but maybe some things should be discussed off camera.” Zelensky said.
He was also asked if he regrets his spat with Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The Ukrainian leader admitted that the situation was unpleasant, but emphasized that their relations cannot be limited to personal ambitions, as they are part of the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States.
“It was not very good, but my relationship with Trump should be higher than the relationship between the two presidents. This is a question of the relationship between our peoples. But I cannot change the attitude of Ukrainians towards Russia. They are murderers.” Zelensky emphasized.
“The stories that Ukraine is already destroyed, millions have died, and the president is a dictator. Where is the friendship between the United States and Ukraine?”, – asked the president.
He emphasized that he did not know whether this dispute was planned in advance. In his opinion, a quarrel is not beneficial to both parties.
“I think my relationship with Trump can be saved. The historical bond between our people is strong,” – noted Zelensky.
When asked whether he is ready to return to the White House to continue negotiations, the President of Ukraine answered briefly: “no”.
On US support and the Minerals Agreement
Separately, Zelensky touched on the topic of the United States’ aid to Ukraine, expressing gratitude to both Trump and the entire American people.
“I am grateful to Trump and the people of the United States for their help. You helped us survive.” he noted.
The President emphasized that Ukraine is ready to sign the agreement on minerals, because it is part of the economic partnership with the USA and an important element of future security guarantees. At the same time, he emphasized that this is not enough, so he wanted to share his thoughts with Trump during the meeting.
“We are ready to sign this agreement. This will be the first step towards security guarantees, but the timing of signing depends on the United States,” he explained.
Zelensky emphasized that negotiations between the US and Ukraine are strategically important and should not depend on personal relations between the presidents. He also expressed confidence that relations between Ukraine and the USA can be saved, as “it is not just a matter of two presidents, but a strategic partnership of two peoples.” Zelenskyi emphasized that he hopes for further support of Ukraine from the United States and that American allies understand the importance of helping Kyiv in the war against Russia.
About the ability of Ukraine to contain Russia without the help of the United States
Zelensky was asked whether Ukraine would be able to stand up to Russian aggression on its own if the US stopped supporting it.
“It would be difficult for us. That’s why I’m here.” – he answered, stressing that US military and financial aid plays a critical role in the defense of Ukraine.
The President emphasized that Ukraine cannot lose its freedom and national values.
“The Russians came into our territory, into our homes… They killed so many people. To just forget about it, to just say that Putin is a great guy? No, that’s not for us.” Zelensky said.
He also noted that Ukraine is ready for diplomatic negotiations, but only if the US provides security guarantees.
About Trump’s relations with Putin
Asked whether he thinks Donald Trump is getting too close to the Russian president, Zelensky recalled Trump’s words about his desire to mediate in the negotiations.
“He said that he wants to be in the middle between both sides at the negotiating table. But it is important for Ukraine that he be more on our side, because it was Russia that brought the war to our land and does not respect our territorial integrity.” – he emphasized.
About peace
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Kyiv seeks to achieve peace, and it was for this purpose that he came to the United States and met with Donald Trump. He emphasized that the process of establishing peace is impossible without negotiations and diplomatic efforts. However, in his opinion, peace should be not only formal, but fair and long-lasting. Ukraine must have a strong position in the negotiations in order to secure its interests and prevent the return of aggression.
About the end of the war
Zelenskyi also outlined possible scenarios for the end of the war, noting that European countries are ready to deploy their contingents and help Ukraine finance a large army, as is happening now. In his opinion, the Ukrainian armed forces will become a key element of the system of security guarantees in the region.
At the same time, the President of Ukraine emphasized the importance of determining the role of the US in this process, as Washington remains Kyiv’s largest strategic partner. He emphasized that the participation of the US in security guarantees will be a decisive factor for the stable future of Ukraine and Europe.
About possible resignation
The President of Ukraine was also asked whether he is ready to leave his post.
“Only the people of Ukraine can make this decision.” — answered Zelensky, emphasizing that the issue of his legitimacy and leadership of the state depends solely on the will of Ukrainians.
At the end of the interview, Zelensky once again emphasized his gratitude to the American people for their support and addressed the audience with a short but emotional address:
“We’re grateful. And sorry for that.”
