Washington - Saba:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his relationship with US President Donald Trump "can continue" after their verbal altercation in the Oval Office last night, in which Trump publicly threatened to "abandon" Kyiv.
Zelensky told Fox News in an interview that he did not think anything "bad" had happened, adding that he "does not owe Trump an apology."
Zelensky's visit to Washington did not lead to the signing of the long-awaited agreement on joint exploitation of Ukraine's mineral resources, and a joint press conference between the two presidents was canceled after the tension.
In a comment to the Truth Social network, Trump said that Zelensky could return when he was ready for peace, noting the need for a "ceasefire now" in Ukraine.
Trump criticized Zelensky's position against a ceasefire with Russia, saying that he "overestimated his position." But Zelensky responded in the interview, saying: "I respect President Trump and I respect the American people," stressing that his country only seeks to end the war.
Zelensky confirmed to Fox News that the relationship between Kiev and Washington can "of course" be repaired, considering that "this relationship goes beyond the limits of presidents, and that it is strong and historical."
He added that American aid is vital to Ukraine in its war against Russia, noting that it will be "difficult" for his country to win the war without continued American support.
Zelensky also stressed that he does not want to lose the United States as a partner in negotiations with Moscow, stressing the importance of reaching a settlement that guarantees lasting peace.
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