Zelensky Expresses Gratitude to Trump and America ‘We Are Thankful and Sorry’

After a tense and highly publicized meeting at the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump and the American people for their role in helping to defend Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia.

Speaking with Fox News’ Bret Baier on Friday evening, Zelensky attempted to smooth over the fallout from his heated exchange with Trump and Vice President JD Vance earlier in the day. “Yes, of course, because relations [are] more than two presidents,” Zelensky said when asked if his relationship with Trump could be salvaged.

“The historical relations, strong relations between our people, and that’s why I always begin with to thank your people from our people. And this is the most important,” he added.

Zelensky continued, “Of course, thankful to [the] President and of course Congress, but first of all, to your people. Your people helped to save our people. This is very, very important, and we are thankful and sorry for this.”

Despite Zelensky’s words of appreciation, his Oval Office meeting with Trump was anything but smooth. What was meant to be a major diplomatic breakthrough a U.S.-Ukraine mineral deal ended in confrontation, with Zelensky leaving the White House without signing the agreement.

A White House official confirmed to The Daily Wire that Trump canceled a planned press conference with Zelensky following their meeting and ultimately asked the Ukrainian leader to leave.

Trump later released a statement explaining his decision:

“Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure,” Trump said. “It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelensky is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations.”

“I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE,” Trump continued. “He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”

Trump’s stance remains clear: The United States will not fund endless wars. His administration has made it clear that American financial and military support will only continue if Ukraine is serious about negotiating peace with Russia.

Zelensky’s shift in tone during his interview with Baier suggests that he may be reconsidering his approach after realizing that Trump will not be manipulated into an open-ended commitment to Ukraine.

With the mineral deal now in limbo and Zelensky walking away from Washington empty-handed, the Ukrainian president may need to reassess his strategy if he hopes to maintain U.S. backing in the future.

Trump’s message to Zelensky and the world could not be clearer: America stands for peace, not perpetual conflict.

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