Zelenskyy chose his words carefully as he addressed the Oval Office blowup after attending a security summit of European leaders meant to rally support for Ukraine.
Holding such a conversation in the open wasn’t positive for both the US and Ukraine, he said, declining a reporter’s request to switch to English to avoid misinterpretation.“I am convinced that the situation will pass and more important things are ahead,” Zelenskiy said.
Zelenskyy said the natural resources deal with the US is ready and can be signed by ministers. Ukraine isn’t backtracking on the offer regardless of what has happened and is ready to accept the deal, he said.
While Zelenskyy recognised Ukraine’s dependence on US support and expressed respect to Trump, both main US political parties and the US as a whole, he steered away from apologising.
He defended his right to stand up for the dignity of his country and its people, and urged partners to show understanding for the suffering endured by Ukraine since Russia’s invasion three years ago.
“I’m ready for any format of constructive relations with the US,” Zelenskyy said.