Zelenskyy admits Oval Office meeting 'not good for both sides'
What's the story
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confessed that his recent Oval Office meeting with United States President Donald Trump was "not good for both sides."
The meeting, which was called to discuss a major minerals deal, ended abruptly without an agreement.
Trump accused Zelenskyy of "gambling with World War Three" and slammed him for not being ready for peace with Russia.
Regret and defense
Zelenskyy expresses regret, defends actions post-meeting
In a later interview with Fox News, Zelenskyy regretted the confrontation but defended his actions.
He did not directly address calls from Trump's Republican allies for an apology, saying he didn't believe he had done anything wrong.
The Ukrainian leader was in Washington to discuss a controversial minerals deal that Ukraine hoped would unlock US security guarantees as part of a ceasefire agreement to end the ongoing war with Russia.
Gratitude and confidence
Zelenskyy thanks American people, expresses confidence in relationship
During the Fox News interview, Zelenskyy thanked the American people for their support amid Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia.
He said, "From the very beginning, during three years of full-scale innovation, you helped us to survive."
Despite the clash at the White House meeting, he expressed confidence in salvaging Ukraine's relationship with America.
Support and denial
European leaders pledge support, White House denies allegations
In the aftermath of the incident, European leaders stood by Zelenskyy, vowing to continue supporting Ukraine.
On the other hand, the White House refuted claims that the confrontation was pre-planned by Trump or Vice President JD Vance.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said it was "absolutely not true" that the Oval Office spat was pre-planned by either Trump or Vance.