Trump avoids question on apologising to Zelensky for Dictator remark

U.S. President Donald Trump has refused to explain whether he will apologize to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for recently calling him a "dictator." Speaking during a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump failed to take back the statement but reiterated his respect for both Zelensky and Ukraine's strength in war.

I believe we're going to have a very good meeting tomorrow morning. I think we will get along great. I have great respect for him, and Ukraine has fought incredibly hard. We've given them a tremendous amount of equipment, economic help, but ultimately they're the ones fighting on the battlefield," Trump said.

U.S. President announced that he would host Zelensky at the White House on Friday at 11 a.m. ET. But when asked by journalists if he was still maintaining his "dictator" remark, Trump replied sarcastically, saying, "Did I say that?" before rapidly changing to answer the next question. The scene unfolded in the Oval Office with Starmer present.

Trump's original criticism of Zelensky was over Kyiv's hesitance to sign off on a U.S. offer granting American businesses rights to Ukraine's mineral resources. In defense of his description, Trump accused Zelensky of governing "without elections," citing Ukraine's move to delay voting under martial law after the Russian invasion.

Admitting recent tensions, Trump acknowledged that his relationship with Zelensky had grown a little tense, especially as he began talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing war—without Ukraine's direct participation.

"We want to work with him, and we will work with him. Generally, I think we've had a good relationship, although it may have gotten a little tense in the last few days," Trump said to reporters.

During the course of the conversation, Trump insinuated that Ukraine's money from European friends was being returned, which earned a clarification by Starmer, who stated most of the aid to Ukraine came from the UK as a present.

"I get along with both leaders. I get along well with President Putin, and I think I have a good relationship with President Zelensky too," Trump said.

As part of continuing talks, Trump said territorial conflicts—specifically those involving strategic coastal areas controlled by Russia—would be up for discussion.

"There are a lot of territories that were taken," Trump said. "We've discussed it, and we'll see if we can reclaim some of that territory for Ukraine. If it's possible, we'll definitely try to do that."

Zelensky's Friday visit to Washington is likely to seal an economic pact that will allow the U.S. access to Ukraine's key mineral resources. The deal proponents say such a deal would fortify U.S. interests in Ukraine's economic stability and security, thereby making American involvement in the defense of Ukraine more strategic.

Trump, who has placed putting an end to the Russia-Ukraine war at the top of his agenda, recently met with Putin in a bid to push forward ceasefire talks. Regarding Ukraine's accession into NATO, Trump bluntly said, "That's not going to happen." When asked whether he trusts Putin, he replied by stating that he had confidence that the Russian leader would keep his word.