Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has refused to hold new elections since his presidency ended last year, has rejected a resignation call in an interview with Fox News after a visit to the White House on February 28.
The meeting between US President Donald Trump and President Zelensky at the White House earlier in the day escalated into a fierce controversy, when Mr Trump told the Ukrainian leader that he "had no capacity to issue an order" and accused him of failing to show gratitude to the American people for the support Washington had provided to Kiev.
This scene has many critics question whether Zelensky will ever regain his reputation as a reliable partner.
Even US Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Kiev supporter who has visited Ukraine to meet Zelensky many times over the years, said the Ukrainian president had crossed the line with his actions.
Senator Graham told reporters: Either he needs to resign and send someone we can work with, or he needs to change.
Fox News host Bret Baier asked President Zelensky whether he would consider the Senate's proposal and resign.
"I don't know if he was satisfied with my words: This decision could only be made by the Ukrainian people," Zelensky said.
When asked again whether he would resign to reach a peace deal in the Ukrainian conflict, Zelensky dismissed the idea.
"I am always ready... but I am not sure it is a good idea for such proposals," Zelensky said, adding: "American people elect US presidents... Only Ukrainians elect their presidents."
Zelensky's five-year presidency ended in May 2024, but he has refused to hold new elections, citing martial law.
Recently, President Donald Trump called Mr. Zelensky a "no election president" with a "3% approval rating".
After the heated controversy at the White House on February 28, President Trump told reporters that he believed Zelensky would prioritize receiving military aid from the United States rather than seeking a peaceful solution to the Ukrainian conflict.
We are seeking peace, Trump said. We dont want someone to link up with a strong power and then refuse to reconcile because they feel supported... He just wants to continue fighting, fighting, fighting. As for us, we want to end the loss of life. We don't want to get caught up in a 10-year war."
For his part, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that President Zelensky would "completely have no chance" of winning a new election unless he was "seriously cheated".
Moscow also stressed that any agreement between Russia and Ukraine signed by President Zelensky is doubtful in legality because his presidency has expired.
