Washington: In the wake of a dramatic Oval Office confrontation that captured global attention, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sat down for an exclusive interview with Fox News, addressing his heated exchange with President Donald Trump. Despite the visible tensions, Zelenskyy expressed confidence that the longstanding US-Ukraine relationship could weather the fallout.
The diplomatic clash occurred during Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington, where he sought continued American support amid Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia. Trump, determined to push forward what he called a near-final peace deal, grew frustrated with Zelenskyy’s insistence on preventing Russian President Vladimir Putin from rearming and reigniting the conflict. The meeting escalated into a tense standoff, raising concerns about the future of US-Ukraine relations.
A heated Oval Office confrontation
What was expected to be a high-level discussion on brokering peace quickly spiralled into an intense argument. Trump, pushing for a ceasefire agreement, accused Zelenskyy of stalling negotiations. The tension reached a boiling point when he warned the Ukrainian leader, “You’re gambling with World War III.”
Vice President JD Vance, seated alongside Trump, backed the president, criticizing Zelenskyy for debating Ukraine’s war strategy in front of the press. He also reminded the Ukrainian president of the substantial aid the US had provided, urging him to show more gratitude.
“Have you said thank you once this entire meeting?” Vance asked sharply.
Zelenskyy, visibly frustrated, defended Ukraine’s stance, emphasizing the war’s devastating toll, including millions of civilians displaced or killed. Despite the confrontational atmosphere, he remained resolute in his plea for continued US support.
Zelenskyy on tense meeting with Trump
Following the tense exchange, Zelenskyy appeared on Fox News for an exclusive interview with Bret Baier on Special Report. Reflecting on the confrontation, he acknowledged that the discussion had been difficult but expressed confidence in the strength of US-Ukraine ties.
“Of course, because it’s relations beyond two presidents. These are historic, strong relations between our people,” Zelenskyy said. “Your people have helped save our people… we want to preserve this partnership.”
He downplayed the severity of the Oval Office dispute, stating, “I’m not sure we did anything wrong,” but admitted the exchange was “bad for both sides.” Despite the tension, he emphasized the importance of moving forward and maintaining the alliance that has been crucial to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Diplomatic strains and accusations
During the interview, Zelenskyy did not offer an apology for the confrontation but stressed the need for Ukraine’s allies to fully understand the realities of the war. He suggested that Trump and his administration might not grasp the full consequences of the conflict.
“Everybody has problems, even you,” he remarked, addressing the US. “You will feel this war in the future.”
His words underscored the deepening diplomatic challenges between the two nations, even as Ukraine continues to rely on American support in its fight against Russian aggression.
