WASHINGTON, Feb 28, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - US President Donald Trump on Thursday voiced respect for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the eve of his visit, downplaying an earlier jibe that he was a "dictator."

"I think we're going to have a very good meeting tomorrow morning. We're going to get along really well," Trump said.

"I have a lot of respect for him," Trump said of Zelensky at a joint news conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Trump has long criticized the billions in military and other aid Washington has given Ukraine, but took a different tone ahead of a meeting in which the two countries are expected to sign a deal on mining rights.

The deal, pushed by Trump as a form of compensation for Washington's backing, would give the United States a share in much of Ukraine's mineral wealth.

"We've given him a lot of equipment and a lot of money, but they have fought very bravely," Trump said.

"Somebody has to use that equipment, and they have been very brave in that sense."

Trump stunned many European allies earlier in February by speaking to Russian President Vladimir Putin over Ukraine.

After critical remarks by Zelensky, Trump called the elected Ukrainian leader a "dictator."

"Did I say that? I can't believe I said that," Trump responded when asked by journalists about his comment made this month in a post on his Truth Social platform.