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
Hawaii lifeguard hospitalized after shark bite

Shocking Shark Encounter: Hawaii Lifeguard Hospitalized After Unexpected Attack

Kauai’s picturesque Hanalei Bay is temporarily off-limits following a shark incident that…
Jack Schlossberg reportedly eyeing up bid for NYC congressional seat

Jack Schlossberg Considers NYC Congressional Run: Kennedy Legacy Eyes Political Future

John F. Kennedy’s legacy is poised to reignite in the political arena…
Justin and Hailey Bieber, Sydney Sweeney, Denise Richards and more

Star-Studded Spotlight: Justin & Hailey Bieber, Sydney Sweeney, Denise Richards, and More Shine This Week!

In the ever-glamorous world of celebrity, this week has provided us with…
Oregon teens Alexa Anderson and Reese Eckard score legal win in lawsuit against OSAA for competing against transgender athletes

Oregon Teens Triumph in Landmark Legal Battle Against OSAA Over Transgender Athlete Competition

In a noteworthy legal victory, Oregon teenagers Alexa Anderson and Reese Eckard…
Chiropractor accused of secretly recording more than 100 patients

Chiropractor Under Fire: Over 100 Patients Allegedly Secretly Recorded, Legal Action Looms

ST. CHARLES, Ill. (WGN) — A chiropractor from Illinois is facing charges…
5 things men need for a 'normal erection' — and a 'common complaint' for those with ED

Essential Factors for Maintaining a Healthy Erection: Addressing Common Concerns in Erectile Dysfunction

There’s no reason to succumb to a period of decline. In the…
FILE - Vice President JD Vance, right, and second lady Usha Vance watch a demonstration by Marines during activities to mark the upcoming Marine Corps

JD Vance’s Views on Interfaith Marriage and Religion Stir Controversy

During a recent address at a university event, Vice President JD Vance…
Melodee Buzzard's mom switched license plates on trip: Officials

Melodee Buzzard’s Mother Faces Unrelated Legal Issues: Arrest Sparks Public Interest

Ashlee Buzzard, the mother of the missing child Melodee Buzzard, has been…