Photo: Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine (Vitaliy Nosach, RBC-Ukraine) Author: Dmitry Levitsky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave an interview after a dispute with US President Donald Trump at the White House. He explained why the conversation turned into a scandal, what is the fate of the fossil fuel deal with the US, and whether peace talks are possible.
RBC-Ukraine has collected the main statements of the Ukrainian president from his interview with Fox News.
On the dispute with Trump
Zelensky said the argument during the Oval Office meeting with Trump was over “stories that Ukraine has already been destroyed, millions have died, and the president is a dictator.”
“Where is the friendship between the United States and Ukraine?” the president asked.
When asked if he regretted what happened in the White House, Zelensky replied: “Yes, it was not good.” In his opinion, some things with partners should be discussed behind closed doors.
The President added that he is very grateful to the American people, Trump and Congress for their support of Ukraine, and believes that relations with the United States can still be saved.
“Because this is more than a relationship between two presidents. This is a strong historical relationship between our peoples. That is why I always start with gratitude to your people from our people. This is the most important thing,” Zelensky said.
About the deal with the USA
A minerals deal between Ukraine and the United States was expected to be signed during Zelensky's visit to the White House. However, after a dispute in the Oval Office, the signing of the agreement fell through.
As Zelensky stated, the Ukrainian side wants to sign an agreement with the US and is ready for this. This agreement, according to him, should be the first step towards security guarantees.
“The US wanted this agreement, we are not against this agreement, but we want to understand what place security guarantees will take in this agreement,” he explained.
However, the president does not know when the agreement between Ukraine and the United States might be signed.
“I think the ministers should sign this agreement. I don't know when they will do it. It depends on the American side,” Zelensky said.
About peace negotiations
After the scandal in the White House, Trump said that Zelensky allegedly does not want peace.
“Ukraine wants peace and in any case there will be negotiations. I only said that we are talking about a fair and lasting peace, and we need to be strong at the negotiating table,” the president responded to these reproaches.
He added that the US, Europe and Ukraine should be at the negotiating table, but in a strong position. However, according to Zelensky, security guarantees must first be obtained, and only then can diplomacy be moved on.
The president also responded to Trump's calls for an immediate ceasefire on the front.
“I can't just say 'stop' (to the soldiers – to stop the fighting, – ed.). No one will stop, because everyone is afraid that Putin will return tomorrow,” he explained.
Earlier, Trump also said that he was “in the middle” between Ukraine and Russia, to which Zelensky responded in an interview that he would like him to be more on the Ukrainian side.
About assistance from the USA
Following the dispute between Zelensky and Trump, The Washington Post reported, citing its own source, that the US could allegedly stop military aid to Ukraine. This concerns supplies that had been agreed upon by the previous US administration.
“It will be difficult for us without your support, but we cannot lose our values,” Zelensky commented on such risks.
About resignation
Reacting to the events in the White House, US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham told reporters that in order to “revive” the fossil fuel deal, Zelensky must either change, resign, or send another negotiator.
“This decision can only be made by the people of Ukraine,” the president responded to this reproach.
Read more about Zelensky's visit to the US and the dispute with Trump in the White House at the link.
In addition, after the scandal in the White House, European leaders took Ukraine's side and made public statements. Who supported Ukraine – in the material of RBC-Ukraine.
Read urgent and important news about Russia's war against Ukraine on the RBC-Ukraine channel in Telegram.