Trump dodges apology question as Zelensky heads to White House
Donald Trump was asked on Thursday if he would apologize to Volodymyr Zelensky for calling him a "dictator." The U.S. President ignored the journalist's question. He added that he has "great respect" for the President of Ukraine.
Robert Peston, during a press conference following Trump's meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, reminded attendees that Volodymyr Zelensky will visit the White House on Friday. During the visit, both sides are expected to sign an agreement on the exploitation of Ukraine's natural resources.
When a journalist asked whether he would apologize to President Zelensky for calling him a "dictator" while praising Putin, Trump sidestepped the inquiry. Instead, he expressed confidence that the meeting would be positive and that they would have a good rapport. Despite his previous criticism, he now highlights his "great respect" for the Ukrainian leader.
- We've given him a lot of equipment and a lot of money, but they have fought very bravely. Somebody has to use that equipment - the U.S. President concluded his response, thereby ignoring the "apology" aspect for Zelensky.
Trump furious with Zelensky. Called him a "dictator"
The Trump administration wants Ukraine to agree, in exchange for American support, to hand over 50% of its rare earth metal rights to the U.S.
The Ukrainian side rejected the first version of the deal, arguing it did not guarantee the protection of Kyiv's interests. Then, Trump criticized Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a "dictator without elections" and urged for quick action, "or else he won't have a country." The U.S. President accused the Ukrainian leader of involving the U.S. in a "war that can't be won."
