Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed a desire for the US to “stand more firmly on our side” after a heated exchange with President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House on Friday.
Upon arriving in the UK to participate in a summit with European leaders, Zelensky reiterated the importance of US support for Ukraine amidst what he described as “tough dialogue” between the two nations. The exchange at the Oval Office escalated when Trump urged Zelensky to negotiate with Russia “or we are out,” while US Vice-President JD Vance accused Zelensky of being ungrateful.
Zelensky took the opportunity to thank UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for a “meaningful and warm meeting,” announcing a £2.26 billion ($2.8 billion) loan agreement to boost Ukraine’s weapons production. “I thank the people and government of the United Kingdom for their tremendous support since the beginning of this war,” he stated, highlighting the shared vision for a secure future.
In a series of 14 posts on social media, Zelensky emphasized the need for US security guarantees in any “just and lasting” peace deal with Russia. He acknowledged Trump’s desire to end the conflict but stressed that no one wants peace more than Ukraine.
The strained meeting was initially intended to precede discussions on a deal granting the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth mineral deposits, but Zelensky was asked to leave early before the agreement could be finalized. Trump later remarked that Zelensky had “overplayed his hand” and needed to express a willingness to make peace to restart discussions with the US.
European leaders rallied behind Zelensky in support, although NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg indicated that he must work to restore his relationship with Trump. Zelensky reiterated his readiness to sign the minerals agreement as a step toward securing US security guarantees but emphasized that more is needed, warning that a ceasefire without such assurances would be dangerous for Ukraine.
He stated, “All Ukrainians want to hear a strong US position on our side. It’s understandable that the US might seek dialogue with [Russian President Vladimir] Putin. However, the US has long advocated for ‘peace through strength.’ Together, we can take strong measures against Putin.”
In Russia, the Kremlin criticized Zelensky’s visit to Washington, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova calling it a “complete diplomatic failure” and accusing him of prolonging the war.
Ahead of the summit in London, Zelensky met with Prime Minister Starmer, who reaffirmed unwavering UK support for Ukraine and emphasized the importance of sovereignty and security for the nation, Europe, and the UK.
European political figures, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, voiced support for Ukraine after the contentious scenes in the US, with Macron stating, “There is an aggressor: Russia. There is a victim: Ukraine.”
NATO chief Mark Rutte remarked on the importance of respecting Trump’s contributions to Ukraine, noting that early support, like the sale of Javelin anti-tank missiles, helped Ukraine respond to aggression.
The situation remains critical, with reports of slow Russian gains and recent drone strikes in Kharkiv injuring civilians shortly after Zelensky’s visit to Washington. Tensions further escalated during the meeting when Vice-President Vance insisted that diplomacy was needed to end the war, prompting Zelensky to question the effectiveness of previously attempted ceasefire agreements.
Credit: BBC News
