Zelensky Denies Wrongdoing in Oval Office Clash with Trump, Addresses Claims in Fox News Interview

Ukrainian President wri Zelensky has addressed the controversial Oval Office altercation with President Donald Trump for the first time, firmly denying any wrongdoing. In an interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier, Zelensky pushed back on claims that he had disrespected the U.S. president.

“I’m not sure that we did something bad,” Zelensky stated when asked if he regretted the heated exchange. 

However, moments later, he softened his stance, saying the relationship with Trump could still be repaired.The high-stakes meeting was expected to finalize a deal giving the U.S. a stake in Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for security guarantees. However, tensions quickly escalated when Trump and Vice President JD Vance confronted Zelensky over his demands for NATO membership.

Zelensky appeared uncertain whether the heated discussion was premeditated. “I don’t know” if Trump and Vance planned to corner him, he admitted, fueling speculation from Democrats and pro-Ukraine commentators.

Despite the dispute, Zelensky remains adamant that Ukraine needs stronger security assurances beyond economic agreements. “Just a cease-fire without security guarantees is not enough,” he stated. However, Trump has dismissed NATO membership for Ukraine, favoring peacekeeping proposals from France and the UK instead.

Trump, who was visibly frustrated by the end of the meeting, took to social media to express his discontent. He accused Zelensky of disrespecting the U.S. and declared, “He can come back when he is ready for peace.”

With diplomatic tensions rising, the fallout from this fiery exchange is far from over. The future of U.S.-Ukraine relations hangs in the balance as both leaders stand firm on their positions.

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