Trump pushes for Zelenskyy apology following heated White House confrontation

According to its recent article, Bloomberg reveals that the administration of US President Donald Trump has privately informed its European partners that it expects a public apology from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his behavior during his recent visit to the White House.

Sources indicate that Kyiv’s apology is considered essential for restoring direct dialogue between Ukraine and the US.

In the aftermath of the conflict between Trump and Zelenskyy, several European NATO member states have offered to act as mediators between Kyiv and Washington, with the aim of persuading Trump to soften his stance toward Zelenskyy. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is said to be especially committed to this diplomatic effort. The UK government believes its closer relationship with the US, in contrast to other European capitals, provides it with an advantage in facilitating dialogue with Trump on Ukraine.

Following the heated exchange at the White House on February 28, the UK made a concerted attempt to salvage the agreement between the US and Ukraine on rare-earth metals, trying to convince the American side to return to signing the deal. However, Trump’s team rejected the British request. 

In the coming days, the UK is expected to announce a new $2.5 billion aid package for Ukraine, which will be funded through proceeds from Russian assets frozen in Europe.

Meanwhile, a critical meeting will take place in London on March 2, focusing on peace efforts for Ukraine. Leaders from Germany, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Finland, France, the Czech Republic, and Sweden have been invited to participate. Additionally, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy are also expected to attend.

On February 28, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the White House for a meeting with President Donald Trump. During the discussion, which was attended by journalists, a confrontation broke out between the two leaders. Trump pointed out Zelenskyy’s disrespectful attitude toward the US, while Vice President JD Vance noted that Zelenskyy had failed to thank Washington for its support of Ukraine.

As a result of the exchange, the planned press conference following the meeting was canceled. On his Truth Social account, Trump issued a statement in which he emphasised that Zelenskyy’s actions displayed a lack of respect and indicated his unwillingness to seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

By Naila Huseynova