WASHINGTON – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed optimism about restoring diplomatic relations with the United States following a tense encounter with then-President Donald Trump.
In a statement made on Friday, Zelensky acknowledged the difficulty of the recent meeting at the White House but conveyed hope for moving past the episode and rebuilding the relationship between the two nations.
Zelensky addressed the tensions that arose during a heated exchange between the two leaders, in which Trump reportedly criticized him for hindering peace efforts with Russia.
Despite the discord, Zelensky emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the United States and expressed belief that reconciliation was possible.
He underscored the value of cooperation between the two countries, especially in dealing with broader geopolitical issues, and reaffirmed his commitment to continuing productive dialogue with the U.S.