Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed confidence on Friday that relations with the United States could be repaired following a heated confrontation with President Donald Trump, who accused him of obstructing peace efforts with Russia during a tense Oval Office meeting.

“Of course,” Zelensky told Fox News when asked if ties with Trump could be salvaged, emphasizing that U.S.-Ukraine relations transcend “two presidents” and stressing Kyiv’s urgent need for American support against Russia’s superior military. “It will be difficult without your support,” he added during the interview on Trump’s preferred network.

The remarks followed an explosive exchange at the White House, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Zelensky in front of U.S. and international media, accusing him of ingratitude and rejecting proposed truce terms. Trump warned Zelensky he was “overplaying his hand” and demanded an immediate end to the war, declaring, “You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out.” The meeting concluded abruptly, with Zelensky departing without signing a critical minerals-sharing pact seen as key to a U.S.-mediated ceasefire.

European leaders swiftly reaffirmed support for Ukraine amid fears Trump could pressure Kyiv into conceding territory to Russia. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured Zelensky, “You are not alone,” while British PM Keir Starmer pledged “unwavering support” after speaking with both leaders post-clash. Italy’s Giorgia Meloni called for an urgent U.S.-Europe summit on Ukraine, as U.S. Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer accused Trump and Vance of “doing Putin’s dirty work.”
Zelensky refused to express regret for the confrontation, telling Fox News, “I’m not sure we did something bad,” though he lamented the public nature of the dispute. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, demanded an apology for “wasting our time.”

Russia reveled in the discord, with ex-President Dmitry Medvedev branding Zelensky an “insolent pig” who received a “proper slap down.” Trump’s GOP allies echoed Moscow’s criticism, blaming Zelensky for the breakdown.
Kyiv rallied behind Zelensky, with Ukraine’s army chief pledging solidarity and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba praising his “bravery.” Citizens like 26-year-old Valentyn Burianov echoed support, stating, “He did what he must.”

The clash underscored Trump’s pivot toward positioning himself as a mediator between Putin and Zelensky, despite refusing to condemn Russia’s invasion. Trump claimed he had privately engaged Putin “on numerous occasions” and urged Zelensky to compromise, insisting, “I cannot criticize one side” as a neutral arbiter. Zelensky, however, rejected concessions to a “killer on our territory,” referencing Putin.

As diplomatic tensions flared, Russia intensified its assault, with Kyiv reporting fresh infantry incursions from Kursk. The incident highlights the precarious path forward for Ukraine as it battles both Russian aggression and wavering Western support.