(CLO) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refused to apologize and emphasized his wish for Donald Trump to "support Ukraine more" in his first major interview after a tense press conference at the White House.
The heated debate took place in the Oval Office on Friday and quickly turned chaotic as Mr Trump felt insulted by Mr Zelenskyy's treatment of Vice President JD Vance in front of the media.
The meeting turned tense and came to an abrupt halt. Screenshot.
Asked directly by a reporter if he owed Mr Trump an apology, Mr Zelenskyy twice evaded the question before declining, saying softly: "I'm not sure I did anything wrong."
"We are grateful to the American people for all your support. You helped us a lot from the very beginning, helped us survive. We are strategic partners," President Zelenskyy said.
When asked again, he continued to refuse and explained his position: "We have to be honest and straightforward with each other. No one wants to end the war more than us because we are fighting for freedom, for our survival."
The Ukrainian president stressed that he needed Trump to be “on our side” in the conflict with Russia. “I would like President Trump to support us more,” he said when asked if he would be okay with Trump remaining neutral in the negotiations.
The heated debate between Zelenskyy and JD Vance has sparked a tense confrontation at the White House.
“Zelenskyy should not have attacked JD,” a senior White House official said shortly after the encounter. The official said Zelenskyy’s criticism prompted Trump to defend his deputy, escalating the situation rapidly.
Mr Trump defended Vice President JD Vance as the debate escalated. "He's in a very bad position. He doesn't have much of an advantage right now," Mr Trump said.
During the debate, Mr. Vance criticized Ukraine for not showing gratitude for US support: "Have you ever said thank you? Just say thank you!".
“I said it many times,” Mr. Zelenskyy countered. In fact, his first words in the meeting with Mr. Trump were: “Thank you very much, Mr. President, thank you for inviting me.” However, Vice President Vance seemed to want to hear a more specific thank you for the massive military aid from the United States.
Asked whether his relationship with Trump could be mended, Zelenskyy replied: "Of course, because this is not just a relationship between two presidents. This is a strong relationship between two peoples, and that is why I am always grateful to the American people."
Cao Phong (according to Fox News, CNN, AJ)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ong-zelenskyy-tu-choi-xin-loi-ong-trump-sau-cuoc-hop-nay-lua-o-nha-trang-post336663.html
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