‘We must not lose our friendship’: Zelenskyy stresses on US-Ukraine ties in interview after heated Trump meeting

The tumultuous meeting in the Oval Office

What was expected to be a diplomatic meeting to finalize a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia quickly devolved into a heated argument. During the meeting, Trump pressured Zelenskyy to accept a ceasefire, accusing the Ukrainian leader of stalling negotiations. The tension was palpable when Trump raised his voice, at one point telling Zelenskyy, “You’re gambling with World War III.”

Vice President JD Vance, seated alongside Trump, joined in, admonishing Zelenskyy for “litigating” Ukraine’s war strategy in front of the American press. Vance took a firm stance, reminding Zelenskyy that the US had been a significant backer of Ukraine, and that the Ukrainian president should express more gratitude.

“Have you said thank you once this entire meeting?” Vance asked sharply.

Zelenskyy, visibly frustrated, responded by defending Ukraine’s position in the war and the challenges faced on the battlefield. He emphasized that the conflict had caused immense loss for his country, with millions of civilians displaced or killed. Despite the heated atmosphere, he remained resolute in his request for continued US support.

Zelenskyy’s interview post the meeting

Following the contentious meeting, Zelenskyy appeared on Fox News for an exclusive interview with Bret Baier on “Special Report.” The Ukrainian president reflected on the encounter, admitting that while the exchange was “not good for both sides,” he was confident that the historic relationship between Ukraine and the United States would survive the current strain.

“Of course, because it’s relations more than two presidents. It’s the historical relations, strong relations between our people,” Zelenskyy said. “Your people helped save our people… we wanted very much to have all these strong relations.”

He downplayed the severity of the Oval Office exchange, stating, “I’m not sure that we did something bad,” and emphasized that the dispute was “bad for both sides.” Zelenskyy’s words signalled a desire to move forward, despite the tension. His focus, he said, was on maintaining Ukraine’s partnership with the US, a partnership that has been crucial since the Russian invasion in 2022.

Accusations and diplomatic challenges

During the interview, Zelenskyy did not apologize for the confrontation but stressed that his aim was to ensure that Ukraine’s allies understood the gravity of the situation on the ground. He suggested that Trump and his administration may not fully grasp the consequences of the war, saying, “Everybody has problems, even you,” in reference to the United States. “You will feel this war in the future,” he warned.

When asked what triggered the clash in the Oval Office, Zelenskyy pointed to comments made by Trump and Vance that suggested Ukraine had been weakened by the war. The implication that Ukrainian soldiers were abandoning the fight angered Zelenskyy, who viewed it as an insult to the bravery and resilience of his nation’s troops.

“The problem is I’ve empowered you to be a tough guy,” Trump told Zelenskyy during the meeting. “And I don’t think you’d be a tough guy without the United States.” Trump’s remarks only added to the tension.

Trump accused Zelenskyy of “playing cards” with the fate of Ukraine, a remark that drew the Ukrainian leader’s ire. “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people,” Trump said.

What is the fallout?

The fallout from the Oval Office dispute was immediate. Plans for a press conference were scrapped, and negotiations over a minerals deal — in which Ukraine would grant the US access to valuable resources in exchange for continued military support — were halted. According to a White House official, the meeting ended abruptly with Trump asking Zelenskyy to leave the room.

Despite these setbacks, Zelenskyy remained optimistic during his Fox News interview. He stressed that the long-standing relationship between the two nations transcends the personalities of their leaders.

“It’s not about me,” Zelenskyy said. “The reaction is that, where is our friendship between Ukraine and the United States?”

Zelenskyy’s message was clear: the war is not just a geopolitical struggle but a fight for survival, democracy, and the values that bind Ukraine to the West. He expressed hope that the discord in Washington would not fracture the alliance.

The future of US-Ukraine relations

While the confrontation in the Oval Office raised questions about the future of US support for Ukraine, Zelenskyy’s interview highlighted his belief that the relationship can be salvaged. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s gratitude to the American people and stressed that their partnership has been instrumental in pushing back against Russian aggression.

As Zelenskyy departed Washington, uncertainty lingered over the next steps in the peace process. Trump’s push for a swift resolution to the war contrasts sharply with Zelenskyy’s determination to secure a deal robust enough to prevent future aggression from Moscow.