Zelensky Urges Stronger US Support After White House Clash

Upon arriving in the UK for a European leaders' summit, Zelensky expressed his desire for continued American support despite the "tough dialogue" between the two leaders. His comments came after a contentious Oval Office meeting in which Trump urged Zelensky to reach a deal with Russia, warning, "or we are out." US Vice President JD Vance also accused Zelensky of ingratitude during the meeting.

On Saturday, Zelensky thanked UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for a "meaningful and warm meeting," announcing the agreement of a £2.26bn ($2.8bn) loan to Kyiv, which would be directed toward bolstering Ukraine's weapons production. Zelensky expressed his gratitude to the UK for its consistent support, noting, "We are happy to have such strategic partners and to share the same vision of what a secure future should look like for all."

Zelensky also took to X, previously known as Twitter, where he posted a thread of 14 messages emphasizing the need for US security guarantees as part of a "just and lasting" peace deal with Russia. While acknowledging Trump's desire to end the war, Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine is more eager than anyone to see peace but requires guarantees to ensure its sovereignty and security.

The White House meeting, initially set to precede the signing of a deal granting the US access to Ukraine's rare earth mineral deposits, ended abruptly after Trump told Zelensky to leave early, before the deal could be signed. Trump later told reporters that Zelensky "overplayed his hand" and suggested the Ukrainian leader would need to express a desire for peace to reopen talks with the US.

European leaders, however, have rallied behind Zelensky. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of restoring relations between Zelensky and Trump, and other European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, expressed their unwavering support for Ukraine.

During a meeting with Starmer, Zelensky stated that Ukraine was ready to sign the minerals agreement, which he sees as "the first step toward security guarantees" from the US. However, he added, "It's not enough, and we need more than just that. A ceasefire without security guarantees is dangerous for Ukraine." He emphasized that Ukrainians expect a strong US stance on their side, reminding that "peace through strength" has long been a cornerstone of American foreign policy.

Meanwhile, in Russia, Kremlin spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned Zelensky's Washington visit as a "complete diplomatic failure" and accused him of prolonging the war. Zakharova reaffirmed Russia's intention to annex all territories it currently occupies in Ukraine.

Ahead of the London summit, where European leaders will continue discussing peace efforts, Starmer reiterated the UK's commitment to Ukraine, stressing the importance of a lasting peace based on Ukraine's sovereignty and security. Senior political figures across Europe have also expressed their support, with Germany, France, and the Netherlands posting messages of solidarity.

Speaking to the BBC, NATO chief Mark Rutte acknowledged the support Zelensky has received from the US, citing the approval of Javelin anti-tank missile sales under the Trump administration as crucial in allowing Ukraine to defend itself. Rutte emphasized that "we have to respect" what Trump has done for Ukraine, despite the tension between the two leaders.

As the war continues, Russia has made incremental gains on the battlefield. On Friday night, a massive drone strike hit the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, injuring 12 people, including two children. The strike also caused significant damage to residential buildings, pharmacies, and businesses.

The meeting at the White House soured when Vice President Vance suggested the war must end through diplomacy. Zelensky questioned the type of diplomacy Vance was referring to, recalling a previous ceasefire agreement from 2019, which he argued had failed to halt Russian aggression. Vance accused Zelensky of disrespecting the US administration and "litigating" the issue in front of the media, further escalating the tension between the two sides.

As the situation evolves, Zelensky's calls for stronger and more reliable US backing continue to shape the diplomatic landscape surrounding the war in Ukraine.