Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed desire to mend relations with U.S. President Donald Trump following a recent Oval Office confrontation. In his first comments post-meeting, Zelensky emphasized the need for constructive cooperation to secure lasting peace in Ukraine, especially after Trump suspended military aid. He stated Ukraine is eager to negotiate and achieve peace, outlining initial steps like prisoner releases and ceasefires. Zelensky acknowledged U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, recalling Trump’s provision of Javelins, and expressed readiness to offer the U.S. preferential access to Ukraine’s natural resources. He believes future discussions should focus on effective collaboration.
Just a few days following a dramatic public confrontation with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized today that he wishes to “rectify matters” with Trump and is eager to collaborate under his “strong leadership” to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine.
“Our meeting in Washington at the White House on Friday did not unfold as anticipated. It is unfortunate that the situation occurred this way. It is vital to set things right. We hope for future cooperation and dialogue to be constructive,” Mr. Zelensky expressed on X, marking his first public remarks since Trump suspended US military assistance to Ukraine.
Russia remarked that the halt in US aid to Ukraine was the “best contribution” to peace, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating it was a “solution that could effectively drive the Kyiv regime toward a peace process.”
Any interruption in the supply of US weapons to the front line would swiftly diminish Ukraine’s ability to repel Russia’s invasion.
“None of us desires an endless war. Ukraine is prepared to engage at the negotiating table as soon as feasible to bring lasting peace nearer. No one desires peace more than the Ukrainians. My team and I are ready to operate under President Trump’s robust leadership to secure enduring peace,” articulated Mr. Zelensky.
Officials from both the US and Russia have engaged in discussions about ending the war, incensing Kyiv and Europe for being excluded, and raising concerns that any agreement could jeopardize Ukraine’s future.
“We are prepared to act swiftly to conclude the war, and initial steps could include the release of prisoners and an immediate truce in the air – a prohibition on missiles, long-range drones, and bombs targeting energy and other civilian infrastructure – followed by a maritime truce as well, contingent upon Russia reciprocating. Then we aim to advance rapidly through subsequent stages and collaborate with the US to finalize a robust agreement,” stated Mr. Zelensky.
Mr. Zelensky reiterated the importance of US support in preserving Ukraine’s independence.
“We genuinely appreciate all that America has accomplished to assist Ukraine in maintaining its sovereignty and independence. We recall the pivotal moment when things shifted, specifically when President Trump provided Ukraine with Javelins. For this, we are grateful,” added Mr. Zelensky.
He also indicated that Kyiv is ready to finalize a deal granting the US preferential access to Ukraine’s natural resources and minerals at “any time and in any convenient format.”
The agreement was set to be signed in Washington last week before Mr. Zelensky was removed from the White House following the public disagreement with Mr. Trump.