"Relations between the two nations transcend those of their two presidents."

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, who on February 28 had a dispute with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a ceasefire, commented on their conversation and expressed the view that his relationship with Trump could be "saved." He reported this in an interview with Fox News Special Report host Bret Baier on the night of Saturday, March 1.

In response to a journalist's question about whether Volodymyr Zelensky is willing to apologize to Trump for the dispute at the White House, the president stated that he is very grateful to both Donald Trump and his administration, as well as the American people for their support, but added that he must be "honest and straightforward."

“No. I respect the president, I respect the American people. I think we need to be very honest and open. And I don’t think we did anything wrong. Some things we have to discuss off-camera, with all due respect to democratic and free media. But they need to hear the position of Ukraine and Ukrainians. We are very close partners; we must be very honest,” Zelensky emphasized.

According to Volodymyr Zelensky, the dialogue between him and Trump "should have happened earlier so that we understood where we stand."

The president noted that the dispute between JD Vance and Donald Trump was provoked by the words of American politicians about Ukraine.

“Stories that Ukraine is already destroyed, millions have died, and the president is a dictator. Where is the friendship between the U.S. and Ukraine?” Zelensky asked.

Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that he is still ready to sign an agreement on rare earth metals, but it is not enough for a comprehensive peace. He pointed out that it is a very sensitive issue to propose a ceasefire without security guarantees. He described the breakdown of the agreement as "bad for both sides."

“I am here to sign an agreement on rare earth minerals. But we need a fair peace with reliable security guarantees. I respect my people and cannot simply say 'stop' because Putin will come back tomorrow. We cannot lose our values and freedom,” Zelensky stated. “We are ready for peace, but we must be in a strong position,” the president emphasized.

Regarding the statement by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who called for Zelensky's resignation after showing "disrespect to the U.S.," the president responded that the decision about his removal can only be made by the Ukrainian people.

Additionally, Volodymyr Zelensky, responding to a question about whether he is willing to assist in the investigation regarding the use of American aid funds, assured that every unit of equipment and weaponry is recorded and documented when crossing the border. Direct financial assistance, according to Zelensky, goes directly to the budget, which the American side is aware of. It should be noted that earlier the Pentagon announced it would begin an investigation into "fraud and misappropriation of aid to Ukraine."

When asked by a journalist if Zelensky regrets the dispute that took place in the White House, he said it was "not very good." In conclusion, Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the relationship between Ukraine and the U.S. is "more than just two presidents," so his relationship with Trump can be salvaged.

“Trump said he wants to be in the middle. But I would like him to be on our side. Russia brought war to our country, to our families. They are the aggressors. Therefore, it is important for us that the U.S. is on our side and takes strong actions against Russia,” Volodymyr Zelensky said.

When a journalist asked Zelensky if he feels he "owes Trump an apology," Zelensky remarked that he does not believe he did anything wrong that requires an apology.

Dispute Between Trump and Zelensky

It should be noted that on February 28, Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Washington to meet with Donald Trump and sign an agreement on investing in the extraction of rare earth minerals in Ukraine, which included security guarantees for Ukraine from the U.S.

During a press interaction among Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump, and Vice President Vance, a dispute occurred, during which the American side stated that Ukraine "should be grateful" and agree to a ceasefire. In turn, Zelensky responded that "the U.S. should not tell Ukraine what to do."

After this, the press conference was halted, and Volodymyr Zelensky left the White House early. Donald Trump published a statement on his social media platform Truth Social, accusing Volodymyr Zelensky of "unwillingness to pursue peace." Trump also stated that the Ukrainian president "showed disrespect." The agreement on rare earth minerals in Ukraine was reported to have been derailed, according to correspondents on the scene.

In support of Ukraine, leaders from several Western countries expressed their views. The Trump administration and the U.S. president himself accused Volodymyr Zelensky of unwillingness to make peace.

Currently, there is discussion about the possibility of convening an EU and U.S. summit involving Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the situation in Ukraine.