Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for the United States to “stand more firmly on our side” following a heated exchange with President Donald Trump during a recent meeting at the White House. As he arrived in the UK to participate in a European leaders’ summit, Zelensky emphasized the importance of continued US support for Ukraine, despite the challenging discussions between the two nations.
US-Ukraine dialogues continue amid rising tensions
The encounter in the Oval Office saw interruptions from Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, and Zelensky, with Trump urging the Ukrainian leader to negotiate with Russia, stating, “make a deal with Russia or we are out.” Vance further criticized Zelensky, suggesting he was ungrateful for the support provided thus far. In light of these events, European leaders expressed their solidarity with Zelensky, while NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg advised him to mend relations with Trump.
Upon landing in London, Zelensky took to X, sharing a series of 14 posts where he reiterated calls for US security guarantees to be included in any “just and lasting” peace agreement to conclude the ongoing war with Russia. He acknowledged Trump’s desire for peace, which has been sought since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. However, Zelensky insisted that no nation desires peace as fervently as Ukraine does.
Continued support from European allies
The ill-fated meeting at the White House was initially intended to facilitate a deal granting the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth mineral deposits. However, Zelensky was asked to leave prematurely, preventing the agreement from being finalized. Following the meeting, Trump remarked that Zelensky had “overplayed his hand” and suggested he needed to express a clear desire for peace to renew discussions with the US.
In response, Zelensky confirmed Ukraine’s readiness to sign the minerals agreement as a “first step toward security guarantees” from the US, a stance he has consistently maintained. Yet, he emphasized that merely signing this agreement is insufficient: “A ceasefire without security guarantees is dangerous for Ukraine,” he stated. He further added, “All Ukrainians want to hear a strong US position on our side. It’s understandable the US might look for dialogue with [Russian President Vladimir] Putin. But the US has always spoken about ‘peace through strength.’ And together we can take strong steps against Putin.”
The Kremlin responded to Zelensky’s visit by labeling it a “complete diplomatic failure of Kyiv,” with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claiming that the Ukrainian leader is “obsessed” with prolonging the conflict.
As the London summit approaches, where European leaders will further evaluate strategies for achieving a peace deal, Zelensky met with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who assured him of unwavering UK support. In a welcoming address, Starmer reiterated that the UK would stand by Ukraine “for as long as it may take,” emphasizing the necessity of a lasting peace rooted in Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
Political leaders from various European nations have also expressed their support for Ukraine in light of the tumultuous events in the US. French President Emmanuel Macron stated, “There is an aggressor: Russia. There is a victim: Ukraine. We were right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago – and to keep doing so.” Meanwhile, German officials echoed similar sentiments, with outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz asserting, “no one wants peace more than the citizens of Ukraine,” and his successor Friedrich Merz affirming, “we stand with Ukraine.”
In a conversation with the BBC, NATO chief Mark Rutte revealed he had spoken with Zelensky following the White House meeting, highlighting the importance of acknowledging the support Trump has provided to Ukraine thus far, particularly the approval of Javelin anti-tank missile systems that have equipped Ukraine to defend itself.
As the conflict continues, reports of slow Russian advances on the battlefield persist, with a recent drone strike in the northeastern city of Kharkiv injuring 12 individuals, including two children, shortly after Zelensky’s departure from Washington. The strike resulted in damage to residential buildings and local businesses, underscoring the ongoing dangers faced by civilians.
During the tense Oval Office exchange, Vice-President Vance suggested that diplomacy was the path forward, to which Zelensky inquired, “what kind of diplomacy?” referencing the failed ceasefire agreement from 2019. This prompted Vance to accuse Zelensky of being disrespectful, further intensifying the already strained atmosphere.