Marco Rubio Demands Apology from Zelensky After Heated Oval Office Clash

[Social Media]

 

Senator Marco Rubio has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to apologize to President Donald Trump, questioning whether Zelensky genuinely wants peace following their tense and disastrous meeting in the Oval Office.

 

The confrontation unfolded on Friday, quickly spiraling out of control when Trump took offense to how Zelensky treated his vice president, JD Vance, in front of the cameras. Trump and Vance’s aggressive stance has already sparked international criticism, even from the United States' closest allies.

Wow, Vance and Trump are attacking Zelenskyy in the Oval Office pic.twitter.com/sISxqmgiYh

— Acyn (@Acyn) February 28, 2025

 

However, Rubio argued that Zelensky was to blame, claiming that the Ukrainian leader’s behavior leading up to the meeting was unacceptable.

"You guys only saw the end, you don't see all the things that led up to this. The president's been very clear on this, he campaigned on this. He thinks this war should have never started, and I agree that had he been president, it never would have happened," Rubio said.

 

"Now here we are, he's trying to bring an end to this conflict, we've explained very clearly what our plan is here: we want to get the Russians to a negotiating table, we want to explore whether peace is possible."

 

Rubio suggested that the events of the ten days leading up to the meeting made the outcome inevitable and criticized Zelensky’s approach. "Apologize for turning this thing into the fiasco that it became," Rubio stated. "Don't come here and create a scenario where you're going to start lecturing us about how diplomacy isn’t going to work. Zelensky took it in that direction, and it ended in a predictable outcome as a result."

 

President Zelensky tells Fox News he does not feel the need to apologize to Donald Trump: “I respect president. And I respect American people. I’m not sure that we did something bad”

President Zelensky tells Fox News he does not feel the need to apologize to Donald Trump:

“I respect president. And I respect American people. I’m not sure that we did something bad” 🇺🇸🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/7V78WJeajp

— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) February 28, 2025

 

Rubio went on to speculate that Zelensky may not actually want a peace deal, claiming that his actions had frustrated those working toward a resolution. "Maybe Zelensky doesn't want a peace deal. That act of open undermining is deeply frustrating for everyone who's been involved. He should apologize for wasting our time."

 

He also defended Trump and Vance’s stance, arguing that their policies aimed to change course from Biden’s strategy, which Rubio dismissed as funding a deadlock. "Biden was funding a stalemate, funding a meat grinder, and the Russians have more meat to grind."

 

When asked if Trump and Zelensky’s relationship was salvageable, Rubio referenced a 2022 incident in which Joe Biden lost his temper with Zelensky, calling it hypocritical to criticize Trump for his reaction. "I think anything is possible, but it has to go back to the point that President Trump is involved in this to bring about enduring, lasting peace."

 

Despite the heated rhetoric, Zelensky later refused to apologize, though he expressed his desire for Trump’s support. Speaking to Fox News, he responded evasively when asked if he owed Trump an apology, ultimately refusing to concede wrongdoing. "I'm not sure we did something bad," Zelensky said.

 

"We're thankful to Americans for all your support, you did a lot, I'm thankful to President Trump and Congress' bipartisan support. You helped us a lot from the very beginning, you helped us to survive. We are strategic partners."

 

When pressed again, he maintained his position. "We have to be honest and we have to be direct with each other. Nobody wants to finish more than we do because we are in this war, in this battle for freedom for our lives."

 

Zelensky made it clear that he wanted Trump to stand firmly behind Ukraine, saying, "I want President Trump to be more on our side."

 

When asked if his relationship with Trump was repairable, Zelensky was optimistic. "Yes, of course, because it's relations more than two presidents. It's strong relations between our people, and that's why I always thank your people from our people."

 

Based on a report by The Daily Mail  2025-03-01

 

 

[Tug]

Zelenskyy apologize for what?he did nothing wrong it’s trump and Vance that should be apologizing just wow as an American I feel deep shame for what happened it’s the Ukrainians that are dying defending their sovereignty….and Vance wants that PRESIDENT to grovel????the fact of the matter is in my opinion is they were trying to roll the Ukrainian nation…just disgusting 🤢 history is going to be very very unkind to those 2 and if Rubio had any shred of integrity he would resign and refuse to work for this president.

[Harrisfan]

Insulting Trump and Vance. He should apologise and buy a suit.

[Chomper Higgot]

In an alternative view:

 

Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., said he had "absolute admiration for President Zelenskyy" after the meeting.

"He went into the Oval Office and stood up to Russia’s best negotiators," 

https://www.yahoo.com/news/time-europe-step-contentious-trump-210650530.html

 

[Chomper Higgot]

16 minutes ago, Tug said:

Zelenskyy apologize for what?he did nothing wrong it’s trump and Vance that should be apologizing just wow as an American I feel deep shame for what happened it’s the Ukrainians that are dying defending their sovereignty….and Vance wants that PRESIDENT to grovel????the fact of the matter is in my opinion is they were trying to roll the Ukrainian nation…just disgusting 🤢 history is going to be very very unkind to those 2 and if Rubio had any shred of integrity he would resign and refuse to work for this president.

‘Rubio’ and ‘integrity’ don’t belong in the same sentence.

 

Moreover, he’s only one Republican.

 

Zelensky also met with both Democrats and Republican Senators and Congressmen who are supportive of Ukraine.

 

It’s the integrity of the Republicans amongst them that is now going to be put to the test.

 

 

[novacova]

12 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

In an alternative view:

From an alternate universe…

12 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., said he had "absolute admiration for President Zelenskyy" after the meeting.

"He went into the Oval Office and stood up to Russia’s best negotiators,"

Swalwell is an abject corrupt leftist idiot with no credibility. Zelenskyy proved himself an incapable failure whose in way over his head, a total amateur hour clown show he put on.

[tomazbodner]

18 minutes ago, novacova said:

Zelenskyy proved himself an incapable failure whose in way over his head, a total amateur hour clown show he put on.

I think you missed the name there. Surely you meant Trump?

[novacova]

2 minutes ago, tomazbodner said:

I think you missed the name there. Surely you meant Trump?

Obviously you lack reading comprehension skills.

[Bkk Brian]

29 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

‘Rubio’ and ‘integrity’ don’t belong in the same sentence.

 

Moreover, he’s only one Republican.

 

Zelensky also met with both Democrats and Republican Senators and Congressmen who are supportive of Ukraine.

 

It’s the integrity of the Republicans amongst them that is now going to be put to the test.

 

 

Moreover, he’s only one Republican.

 

aaah nah, he lost the support of many including one of Ukraine's staunchest allies Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham

 

 

Congressional Republicans on Friday were nearly unanimous in their praise of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance after they and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a fiery exchange before live cameras in the Oval Office.

Speaking to reporters in the White House driveway right afterward, South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham predicted that the shouting match could end U.S. support for Zelenskyy, calling the meeting a "complete, utter disaster."

“Somebody asked me, am I embarrassed about Trump. I have never been more proud of the president. I was very proud of JD Vance standing up for our country. We want to be helpful. What I saw in the Oval Office was disrespectful, and I don't know if we can ever do business with Zelenskyy again," Graham, the Senate Budget Committee Chairman, said. "The way he handled the meeting, the way he confronted the president, was just over the top."

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/democrats-decry-republicans-applaud-trumps-confrontation-zelenskyy/story?id=119305519

[Stocky]

Apologise for what?
It was a shake down, the new American mafia.

The pretence of Free World Leader is shattered it's a protection racket. 

[Harrisfan]

6 minutes ago, Stocky said:

Apologise for what?
It was a shake down, the new American mafia.

The pretence of Free World Leader is shattered it's a protection racket. 

He insulted guys giving him billions wearing gym clothes. 

[Stocky]

2 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

He insulted guys giving him billions wearing gym clothes. 

And Musk waltzes around in jeans and a T-shirt - you're having a laugh 

(Musk also gets billions of dollars)

[Harrisfan]

Just now, Stocky said:

And Musk waltzes around in jeans and a T-shirt - you're having a laugh 

(Musk also gets billions of dollars)

Musk isn't at war. Musk does not need money. Big difference.

[Chomper Higgot]

45 minutes ago, novacova said:

From an alternate universe…

Swalwell is an abject corrupt leftist idiot with no credibility. Zelenskyy proved himself an incapable failure whose in way over his head, a total amateur hour clown show he put on.

Thank you for that alternative view from the alternative universe you referred to.

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

Trump’s supporters, both foreign and domestic, rush to defend the indefensible.

 

As expected.

[Bkk Brian]

2 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Trump’s supporters, both foreign and domestic, rush to defend the indefensible.

 

As expected.

Do you have to be a Trump supporter to take a view? 

[riclag]

1 hour ago, Social Media said:

 

Senator Marco Rubio has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to apologize to President Donald Trump, questioning whether Zelensky genuinely wants peace following their tense and disastrous meeting in the Oval Office.

 

The confrontation unfolded on Friday, quickly spiraling out of control when Trump took offense to how Zelensky treated his vice president, JD Vance, in front of the cameras. Trump and Vance’s aggressive stance has already sparked international criticism, even from the United States' closest allies.

 

However, Rubio argued that Zelensky was to blame, claiming that the Ukrainian leader’s behavior leading up to the meeting was unacceptable.

"You guys only saw the end, you don't see all the things that led up to this. The president's been very clear on this, he campaigned on this. He thinks this war should have never started, and I agree that had he been president, it never would have happened," Rubio said.

 

"Now here we are, he's trying to bring an end to this conflict, we've explained very clearly what our plan is here: we want to get the Russians to a negotiating table, we want to explore whether peace is possible."

 

Rubio suggested that the events of the ten days leading up to the meeting made the outcome inevitable and criticized Zelensky’s approach. "Apologize for turning this thing into the fiasco that it became," Rubio stated. "Don't come here and create a scenario where you're going to start lecturing us about how diplomacy isn’t going to work. Zelensky took it in that direction, and it ended in a predictable outcome as a result."

 

President Zelensky tells Fox News he does not feel the need to apologize to Donald Trump: “I respect president. And I respect American people. I’m not sure that we did something bad”

 

Rubio went on to speculate that Zelensky may not actually want a peace deal, claiming that his actions had frustrated those working toward a resolution. "Maybe Zelensky doesn't want a peace deal. That act of open undermining is deeply frustrating for everyone who's been involved. He should apologize for wasting our time."

 

He also defended Trump and Vance’s stance, arguing that their policies aimed to change course from Biden’s strategy, which Rubio dismissed as funding a deadlock. "Biden was funding a stalemate, funding a meat grinder, and the Russians have more meat to grind."

 

 

When asked if Trump and Zelensky’s relationship was salvageable, Rubio referenced a 2022 incident in which Joe Biden lost his temper with Zelensky, calling it hypocritical to criticize Trump for his reaction. "I think anything is possible, but it has to go back to the point that President Trump is involved in this to bring about enduring, lasting peace."

 

Despite the heated rhetoric, Zelensky later refused to apologize, though he expressed his desire for Trump’s support. Speaking to Fox News, he responded evasively when asked if he owed Trump an apology, ultimately refusing to concede wrongdoing. "I'm not sure we did something bad," Zelensky said.

 

"We're thankful to Americans for all your support, you did a lot, I'm thankful to President Trump and Congress' bipartisan support. You helped us a lot from the very beginning, you helped us to survive. We are strategic partners."

 

When pressed again, he maintained his position. "We have to be honest and we have to be direct with each other. Nobody wants to finish more than we do because we are in this war, in this battle for freedom for our lives."

 

Zelensky made it clear that he wanted Trump to stand firmly behind Ukraine, saying, "I want President Trump to be more on our side."

 

When asked if his relationship with Trump was repairable, Zelensky was optimistic. "Yes, of course, because it's relations more than two presidents. It's strong relations between our people, and that's why I always thank your people from our people."

 

Based on a report by The Daily Mail  2025-03-01

 

 

How embarrassing! Even  Sen Graham

who has coddled support for Ukraine 

Was shocked by the Ukrainian leaders

behavior.

 

https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/ukraine-ambassador-facepalms-as-zelensky-clashes-with-donald-trump-at-white-house-video-goes-viral-11740796638836.html

[Stocky]

24 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Congressional Republicans on Friday were nearly unanimous in their praise of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance after they and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a fiery exchange before live cameras in the Oval Office.

They're just a bunch of snivelling cowards, terrified to speak out of turn for fear of losing their place at the trough, or having Musk's X-troopers set lose on them and their family.

[SMIAI]

17 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

He insulted guys giving him billions wearing gym clothes. 

 

No, what actually happened is they tried to insult him for not wearing a suit, with JD Vance acting totally unprofessionally, laughing along. When Zelenskky replied in kind to the Press, JD Vance took it further in baiting Zelenskky. Trump actually supported Zelenskky in his choice of clothing. So JD came up with another bait. Why is that child in the room anyway?

Take a look:

 

[SMIAI]

8 minutes ago, riclag said:

How embarrassing! Even  Sen Graham

who has coddled support for Ukraine 

Was shocked by the Ukrainian leaders

behavior.

 

https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/ukraine-ambassador-facepalms-as-zelensky-clashes-with-donald-trump-at-white-house-video-goes-viral-11740796638836.html

 

It's really just nonsense from the new American Ma Fia. Casinos and protection money. Sharing the spoils between himself and those who supported them. They are even looking at how to incorporate their friend at the UFC. Just a new swamp. It's all so embarrassingly obvious to any casual observer.

Look at the video that I posted and see how they bait and Troll to try to make him look bad.

[MikeandDow]

1 minute ago, SMIAI said:

 

No, what actually happened is they tried to insult him for not wearing a suit, with JD Vance acting totally unprofessionally, laughing along. When Zelenskky replied in kind to the Press, JD Vance took it further in baiting Zelenskky. Trump actually supported Zelenskky in his choice of clothing. So JD came up with another bait. Why is that child in the room anyway?

Take a look:

 

I wonder if Vance can breath because he is so far up trumps arse you can not see his shoes

[SMIAI]

Take a look at the full meeting and see how intelligently and respectfully he speaks. If something changed, it was due to the rude way he was treated.

 

Please take a look:

 

 

[Flyguy330]

America did the same to the Kurds, and ran away from Afghanistan. The world is watching and learning.

Trump says Zelensky is playing with WW3? The way I see it America is doing that by breaking up the Western Alliance and selling out to dictators around the world.

[Tug]

Putin must be very pleased with his team in the White House…..European democracy’s and the Baltic nations not so much.im sure XI must be delighted as well knowing trump and Vance are not going to defend/stand with Europe.looks like those 2 stand with Putin the majority of us Americans are ashamed and appalled by this.

[Dan O]

1 hour ago, novacova said:

From an alternate universe…

Swalwell is an abject corrupt leftist idiot with no credibility. Zelenskyy proved himself an incapable failure whose in way over his head, a total amateur hour clown show he put on.

You must not have actually watched the discussion as Vance started it with some ridiculously embarrassing statements calling on Zekensky to thank Trump, not sure for what as he hasn't done anything except act an a$$. Trump is just being the same as alway's, be a bully and aggressive to try to intimidate someone to get what he wants. In this case its access to the natural resources as a business deal.  Zelensky acted appropriate during and in interviews afterward. 

[Tug]

1 hour ago, novacova said:

From an alternate universe…

Swalwell is an abject corrupt leftist idiot with no credibility. Zelenskyy proved himself an incapable failure whose in way over his head, a total amateur hour clown show he put on.

Zelenskyy has proven himself to be an able brave war time leader he and his nation have humiliated your boy putin history will view president Zelenskyy in a similar stature as Winston Churchill salva Ukraine!

[candide]

It's not fair. He was alone and Russia had two negotiators during the meeting! 

[Screaming]

Entitled Zelensky will come crawling back to Trump with his tail between his legs. Old senile sleepy Joe gave billions of the good U.S. taxpayers money to the Ukraine for nothing other than to kill and mutilate thousands of Ukrainians. Time for the gravy train to stop and put U.S. interests first.

[Harrisfan]

6 minutes ago, Tug said:

Zelenskyy has proven himself to be an able brave war time leader he and his nation have humiliated your boy putin history will view president Zelenskyy in a similar stature as Winston Churchill salva Ukraine!

Biden was his girlfriend and a barely walking atm. Harris thought Ukraine was near Canada.

[SMIAI]

Just now, Screaming said:

Entitled Zelensky will come crawling back to Trump with his tail between his legs. Old senile sleepy Joe gave billions of the good U.S. taxpayers money to the Ukraine for nothing other than to kill and mutilate thousands of Ukrainians. Time for the gravy train to stop and put U.S. interests first.

 

I guess you didn't listen to the part where Trump said he will continue to send weapons to Ukraine, once the minerals deal is signed.