Trump Avoids Comment on Apology to Zelensky for 'Dictator' Remark
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Synopsis
US President Donald Trump has not confirmed whether he will apologise to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for calling him a 'dictator'. While maintaining respect for Zelensky, Trump downplayed recent tensions between the two leaders.
Key Takeaways
- Trump refrained from apologising to Zelensky.
- He emphasized respect for Ukraine's efforts.
- Meeting scheduled for Friday at the White House.
- Relations with Zelensky described as 'testy'.
- Discussions on Ukraine's territorial recovery ongoing.
Washington, Feb 28 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has refrained from clarifying whether he would apologise to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for referring to him as a 'dictator' last week.
During a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he did not retract his statement but highlighted his respect for Zelensky and Ukraine’s courageous defense efforts.
"I believe we are on track for a productive meeting tomorrow morning. We have a strong rapport. I hold him in high regard. We've provided significant military support and financial aid, and they have shown remarkable bravery in their fight. It’s crucial for someone to utilize that equipment, and they have proven to be very courageous in that aspect," Trump stated.
Trump indicated that Zelensky would meet him at the White House at 11 a.m. ET on Friday.
On Friday, President Trump appeared to downplay the tensions with Zelensky. When asked if he would still label Zelensky a 'dictator', a term he used recently, he replied sarcastically, "Did I say that?" before swiftly moving on during a press briefing with Prime Minister Starmer.
Trump had criticized Zelensky for rejecting an initial proposal regarding US rights to Ukraine's mineral resources, labeling him a 'dictator without elections' due to the postponement of elections while martial law was in effect following Russia's invasion.
He acknowledged that his relationship with Zelensky had become somewhat strained recently, particularly as he has initiated discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict without Ukraine's involvement.
"We aim to collaborate with him (Zelensky), and we will. I believe our relationship has generally been positive, although it may have encountered some challenges," Trump commented to reporters during a Thursday meeting with Prime Minister Starmer in the Oval Office.
Trump attributed the strain to European nations seeking to reclaim their financial investments in Ukraine, to which Starmer interjected that most of the UK's support was actually a 'gift'.
"I maintain good relations with both leaders. I have a strong rapport with President Putin, and I also consider my relationship with President Zelensky to be solid," Trump remarked.
Trump noted that the US would assess Ukraine's ability to recover certain territories seized by Russia during the conflict, particularly along the 'sea line', as part of broader peace discussions.
"Indeed, numerous areas have been taken," he stated during the Oval Office briefing.
"We have discussed this. A significant portion of the sea line has been lost, and we'll engage in talks to see if we can reclaim it, or at least a substantial part for Ukraine, if feasible," Trump added.
Zelensky is scheduled to visit the White House on Friday as both nations finalize an agreement to grant the US access to Ukraine’s critical minerals supply. Advocates of this partnership argue that it would establish a vested interest for the US in safeguarding Ukraine against potential future aggression from Russia.
Trump has campaigned on the promise to end the war in Ukraine and recently spoke with President Putin to facilitate ceasefire negotiations.
He asserted that Ukraine's accession to NATO is 'not gonna happen'.
When asked on Thursday whether he trusted Putin, Trump expressed confidence that the Russian leader would uphold his commitments.
