Zelensky admits his relationship with Trump has 'evolved' over time

WASHINGTON, DC: After the meeting with US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed that their relationship has evolved over time.

This was not their first meeting. Back in February, Zelensky took part in a tense Oval Office meeting with Trump and Vice President Vance. However, the recent meeting showed a shift in tone, with both leaders appearing more cordial during their press conference.

Zelensky says he and Trump had a 'very open dialogue'

In an interview that aired on Monday, December 29, on Fox News’ 'Special Report', host Bret Baier asked Volodymyr Zelensky about his recent meeting with Trump. Baier asked whether Zelensky tried to persuade Trump about his plan for peace, or whether Trump tried to persuade him.

"So, just take us behind the scenes in this meeting. Was the meeting with President Trump about you trying to convince him of your pathway to peace, or him trying to convince you of his?"

Zelensky laughed and replied, "Who can convince him? We can have only dialogue. And I think this is good that we had very open dialogue and we know each other.”

Later in the interview, Baier noted that their relationship had changed over time, "I mean, your relationship has evolved." To which Zelensky agreed, responding, “Yeah, yeah, yeah.”

Zelensky shared in an X post on Sunday evening, "I thank President Trump @POTUS and his team for the negotiations. I thank the United States for its support. Together, we must – and can – implement our vision for the sequencing of steps toward peace."

Zelensky says he does not trust Putin

In the same interview, Zelensky said he does not trust Russian President Vladimir Putin and believes Putin does not want Ukraine to succeed.

Zelensky said, "I don’t trust Putin. And he doesn’t want success for Ukraine, really, he doesn’t want — he can say it. I believe that he can say such words to President Trump. I believe in it, that he can say it, but it’s not true. Really, he doesn’t want to have — from President Trump — more pressure with sanctions and etcetera."

He also expressed, "I don’t see it because, first of all, I don’t hear it publicly. He doesn’t speak about peace. He says that he can go further. It’s not the signals of peace."

During a press conference with Zelensky on Sunday, a Reuters reporter asked Trump whether Russia would take responsibility for helping rebuild Ukraine. Trump replied, "They’re going to be helping, Russia is going to be helping. Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed." After Trump made those remarks, Zelensky briefly appeared confused.