Ukraine Russia war latest: Zelensky refuses to apologise over White House clash as Trump drops minerals deal
Volodymyr Zelensky has refused to apologise over his extraordinary clash with US president Donald Trump and vice president JD Vance in the Oval Office but insists the relationship can be repaired.
Mr Zelensky left the White House after a meeting collapsed when JD Vance accused him of having “disrespected” the US.
Mr Trump reiterated the vice president’s claim, adding that Kyiv was “gambling with World War Three”.
Speaking to Fox News later on Friday, Mr Zelensky said: “I’m not sure we did something bad. I think maybe some things we have to discuss out of media.”
The pair were due to sign a vital minerals deal, but Mr Trump and Mr Vance lashed out after the Ukrainian president repeatedly brought up the issue of US security guarantees as part of a future peace agreement with Russia.
Mr Zelensky left with the deal unsigned. Mr Trump has no interest in reviving the minerals deal, a senior White House official said on Friday evening.
Meanwhile, European leaders flocked to the defence of Mr Zelensky after Trump and JD Vance unleashed the shocking attack during critical White House talks.
Sir Keir Starmer expressed his “unwavering support” for Ukraine and said he had spoken with both Mr Zelensky and Mr Trump over the phone.
