‘I think that we have to be very open and very honest, and I’m not sure that we did something bad,’ Zelenskyy said during a Fox News interview.
WASHINGTON—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Feb. 28 defended his comments made during a tense White House meeting.
In an interview with Fox News’s Bret Baier, Zelenskyy reiterated his stance on a cease-fire agreement, suggesting that he was open to peace, but insisted on securing lasting peace through security guarantees from the United States.
“We are ready for peace, but we have to be in a strong position,” he said.
His comments came after a heated argument that erupted during his visit to the White House to meet with President Donald Trump. During the meeting, both Trump and Vice President JD Vance expressed concerns over Zelenskyy’s public insistence on security guarantees as part of a proposed minerals deal.
The exchange left the minerals deal between the United States and Ukraine on hold as the Ukrainian leader was asked to depart the White House.
Trump told reporters that Zelenskyy wanted to return to sign the deal and noted that the Ukrainian president was not yet ready for a peace deal.
“Well, he says he wants it now. He wants to come back right now, but I can’t do that,” Trump said as he was departing the White House.
Zelenskyy thanked Trump for the invitation, stating that the minerals deal was the first step to security guarantees. He told Fox News it was meant to bring both sides closer to peace.
“That’s why I’m here,” he said.
Zelenskyy also stated that without U.S. support, it would be extremely difficult for Ukraine to continue its fight against Russia. He acknowledged that the United States and other countries would not offer NATO membership to Ukraine.
“If not NATO, let’s build NATO in Ukraine. That’s my position,” he said.
“When we say no NATO, what security guarantees can we have? I’m not pushing. We’re not pressuring. We’re just asking.”
Zelenskyy added that Europeans have already committed to providing security to Ukraine with boots on the ground. He also noted that the United States might consider offering support, potentially as a backstop “just to guarantee that they are with Europeans.”
The meeting escalated after Zelenskyy was accused of being disrespectful and failing to show gratitude for Trump’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
By Emel Akan
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