Apology statement following the tense meeting between Zelensky and Trump!

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an interview with a US television network, made statements regarding his tense meeting with US President Donald Trump. 

When asked if he was considering apologizing to Trump, Zelensky replied, "No, I respect the President and the American people. But I think we should be honest, and I am not sure that we did anything wrong" he responded. 

Stating that the tension experienced in front of the cameras was not good for either side, Zelensky said, "I was very open, but I cannot change Ukraine's stance against Russia" he said. 

Emphasizing that he has great respect for democracy and a free press, Zelensky, "However, I think sometimes we need to discuss certain things without the press," he said. Zelensky added, "I am always open to the media, but there are very sensitive issues. I just want to be honest and I want our partners to understand the situation correctly" he stated.

"AMERICANS ARE OUR BEST FRIENDS"

Stating that despite the tension, the US is a friend of Ukraine, Zelensky, "It is very clear that Americans are our best friends, Europeans are our best friends, and Putin and Russia are our enemies" he said. 

When asked if he thinks his relationship with Trump can improve "Yes" Zelensky, who gave the response, drew attention to the strong ties between the US and Ukraine. 

Stating that these ties are much deeper than the individual relationship between the two heads of state, Zelensky said, "There are also strong relationships between our peoples. That is why I always convey the gratitude of our people to the American people. This is very, very important and I am sorry for that. We really wanted to have strong relationships and I am sure we will achieve this" he said. 

Stating that they are ready to sign an agreement with Putin, but the condition for this is "a fair and lasting peace" Zelensky said, "We are ready for peace, but we must be in a strong position" he said.

TRUMP: HE PUSHED HIS LUCK TOO FAR

Trump, for his part, made statements to reporters regarding his meeting with Zelensky before leaving Washington D.C. 

Stating that the meeting did not go well, Trump, "I can say it didn't turn out very well for him. He pushed his luck too far" he said. Emphasizing that their goal is peace, Trump added, "We are not looking for someone who does not make peace because they are emboldened by the support of a great power. We are looking for peace. We don't want to get into a 10-year war and play games" he said. 

Accusing Zelensky of wanting to continue the war, Trump said, "What he is after is not what I am after. He wants to fight, fight, and eventually death. Two thousand people died this week, young Ukrainians and Russians. I care about them. I care about everyone." he spoke. 

Implying that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to end the war but that Zelensky is not willing to do so, Trump said, "President Putin wants to end the war. He (Zelensky) is a man who wants to convince us to make a deal and continue the war. But we are not doing that." he said.

"I WANT TO MAKE A DEAL"

Trump emphasized that Zelensky has no leverage and therefore should clearly state that he wants to make peace. Reiterating that he is making efforts for an agreement that will end the Russia-Ukraine war, Trump "I just want to make a deal. And if the deal happens, good. But you cannot embolden someone who has no leverage. We will end the war or we will leave them and see what happens. Let them fight" he stated. When asked whether he told Zelensky to leave the White House, Trump replied, "I think you know the answer."