Summary of Zelenskyy asked whether he owes Trump an apology

In a recent interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed comments made by former President Donald Trump regarding a perceived disrespect during their meeting. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the support the U.S. has provided Ukraine, acknowledging bipartisan assistance from Congress and the American people. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong partnership between Ukraine and the U.S., particularly in the context of the ongoing war with Russia.

Zelenskyy clarified that he does not believe he owes Trump an apology, stating that the dialogue should be honest and direct. He reiterated Ukraine's desire for peace, highlighting that the country is in a difficult struggle for its freedom and lives. He argued that any ceasefire must be accompanied by security guarantees to ensure lasting peace, and he expressed hope that Trump would support Ukraine's position against Russian aggression.

The discussion also touched on the minerals deal and the need for security guarantees, with Zelenskyy stating that negotiations should involve both the U.S. and European partners. He expressed concern over the portrayal of Ukraine in U.S. media and political discourse, which he felt undermined the friendship between the two nations.

Zelenskyy rejected the notion that he would resign in response to criticism from U.S. lawmakers, asserting that such decisions are for the Ukrainian people to make. He acknowledged the challenges Ukraine faces without continued U.S. support but affirmed the country's commitment to achieving peace through strong diplomatic efforts.

The interview highlighted differing perspectives among U.S. lawmakers regarding Zelenskyy's leadership and the relationship between Ukraine and the U.S., with some expressing disappointment over the Oval Office meeting's dynamics. Zelenskyy concluded by emphasizing the importance of the historical relationship between the Ukrainian and American people, expressing optimism for future cooperation.

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Notable Quotes

02:16 — « Peace is not just an absence of war. »
05:32 — « We just want to recognize the reality, the real situation. »
09:35 — « Nobody wants to have again a new wave of occupation. »
16:45 — « I think it was not good because we had a lot of different dialogues. »
20:19 — « All the Ukrainians want to hear a strong position of the United States on our side. »

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