Zelensky on Trump-Vance meeting: 'What I wanted to show were my values'
Share and Follow


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a new Time magazine interview that he “wanted to show” his “values” during a fiery White House meeting with President Trump and Vice President Vance last month.

During the meeting, Trump was given pictures by Zelensky of “the attitude of Russia to our prisoners.” Time reported that multiple U.S. officials noted that the meeting had started going downhill at the moment with the pictures, with Trump’s defensiveness appearing to rise.

Zelensky told Time that giving Trump the pictures has caused him no regret, saying that the president “has family, loved ones, children.”

“He has to feel the things that every person feels,” Zelensky told Time. “What I wanted to show were my values. But then, well, the conversation went in another direction.”

Last month’s meeting with Zelensky, Trump and Vance featured shouting and finger-pointing, with the president and Ukrainian leader arguing over U.S. support for Ukraine.

Following the meeting, Trump said on his Truth Social platform that the Ukrainian president “is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations.”

Zelensky also said in his Time interview that during the Oval Office meeting, Ukrainians had a desire for evidence the U.S. was still backing them.

“But in that moment there was the sense of not being allies, or not taking the position of an ally,” Zelensky told Time. “In that conversation, I was defending the dignity of Ukraine.”

Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said earlier this month that Zelensky apologized to the president via a letter “for that whole incident that happened in the Oval Office.”

“I think that it was an important step and there’s been a lot of discussion between our teams and the Ukrainians and the Europeans who are relevant to this discussion as well,” Witkoff said in an appearance on Fox News at the time.

The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Kentucky freight train carrying molten sulfur derails, leaks hazardous chemical in Todd County

Urgent Alert: Kentucky Train Derailment Unleashes Hazardous Molten Sulfur in Todd County

In a significant rail incident early Tuesday, over 30 freight train cars…
I was a California girl forced into Saudi Arabian servitude

California Woman Recounts Harrowing Experience of Forced Servitude in Saudi Arabia

Elise Martin had just celebrated her 20th birthday. To fellow shoppers at…
These crimes exposed America's deepest fractures and kept millions glued to their screens

Unveiling America’s Underbelly: The Riveting Crimes That Captivated Millions

The most compelling crime stories of 2025 transcended the usual narrative of…
Missing elderly person found in bitter cold woods after police deploy thermal imaging drone

Thermal Drone Saves the Day: Missing Elderly Person Rescued from Icy Woods

On Monday, Pennsylvania officials announced the successful location of a missing senior…
Isiah Whitlock Jr., actor known for 'The Wire,' 'Veep' and Spike Lee films, dies at 71

Farewell to a Legend: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Isiah Whitlock Jr., Star of ‘The Wire,’ ‘Veep,’ and Spike Lee Classics

Renowned actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. has passed away, as confirmed by Liebman…
Anthony Joshua's mum rushes to bedside at 'Nigeria's best hospital'

Anthony Joshua’s Mother Visits Him at Renowned Nigerian Hospital

Anthony Joshua’s mother has hurried to his side at a premier Nigerian…
Things to do on New Year's Eve: Chicago-area residents prepare to celebrate end of 2025 with big events, parties, at home

Unforgettable New Year’s Eve 2025: Chicago’s Top Events, Parties, and Home Celebrations

CHICAGO – As the year draws to a close, people across the…
The 2-hour 'Stranger Things' finale will be in theaters on New Year's. Here's how to get tickets.

Mark Your Calendars: Release Date Revealed for ‘Stranger Things’ Epic Series Finale on Netflix

The eagerly anticipated conclusion to the beloved series is swiftly approaching. Here’s…