In a recent interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declined to apologize to President Donald Trump following their heated exchange in the Oval Office. When asked if he owed Trump an apology, Zelensky responded, “No,” adding, “This kind of spat is not good for both sides.”

The tension arose during discussions about a proposed mineral rights deal between the U.S. and Ukraine. President Trump viewed the agreement as pivotal for cease-fire efforts and Ukraine’s reconstruction, leveraging profits from mining rare earth deposits. However, Zelensky, influenced by prior meetings with anti-Trump Democrats, rejected the deal without accompanying security guarantees for Ukraine. This led to a contentious meeting, culminating in Trump ejecting Zelensky from the White House.

Despite the fallout, Zelensky expressed gratitude for U.S. support and reiterated Ukraine’s interest in the minerals deal, emphasizing the necessity of security assurances to ensure lasting peace. He stated that a cease-fire alone is insufficient, given past breaches by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The incident has strained U.S.-Ukraine relations, with potential implications for military aid and diplomatic support. Zelensky’s stance reflects Ukraine’s precarious position, balancing the pursuit of economic opportunities with the imperative of national security amidst ongoing tensions with Russia.