US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should apologize to former President Donald Trump after a disastrous Oval Office meeting escalated into a heated exchange. According to Rubio, what unfolded in front of the cameras was only part of the story—Zelensky’s behavior before the live broadcast was the real cause of the tension.
“You guys only saw the end,” Rubio said, defending Trump and Vice President JD Vance. “You don’t see all the things that led up to this.” He claimed that Zelensky’s approach before the meeting turned what was supposed to be a diplomatic discussion into an unnecessary confrontation.
The tension boiled over when Trump took offense to Zelensky’s treatment of Vance. The Ukrainian leader’s direct challenges to the vice president reportedly irked Trump, leading to a sharp back-and-forth. Rubio argued that Zelensky’s actions in the lead-up to the meeting were an attempt to corner the U.S. leadership and dismiss their approach to diplomacy.
“Apologize for turning this thing into the fiasco that it became,” Rubio stated, suggesting that Zelensky’s reluctance to engage in Trump’s proposed peace negotiations undermined the very purpose of the meeting. He went further, questioning whether Zelensky truly wanted to end the war with Russia, accusing him of trying to dictate terms rather than seek a realistic resolution.
Inside the White House, officials pushed back against any notion that the meeting was a premeditated attempt to embarrass Zelensky. A senior White House official claimed that Zelensky’s unexpected remarks triggered Trump’s defensive stance, particularly in support of Vance.
Trump himself appeared unfazed by the heated exchange, reportedly remarking afterward, “This is going to be great television.” His administration has been pushing for negotiations with Russia, arguing that the Biden administration’s approach led to a prolonged conflict. Rubio echoed this sentiment, criticizing Biden for funding “a stalemate” rather than seeking a resolution.
As speculation swirls about the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations under a potential second Trump administration, Rubio’s comments highlight the growing divide. Whether Zelensky will respond with an apology or double down remains to be seen.