In brief
Zelensky calls for peace and cooperation following a challenging meeting with Trump that halted discussions on crucial military support for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared his regret over a recent clash during his Oval Office meeting with former President Donald Trump last Friday, which he described in a post on X as “not going the way it was supposed to.” The meeting took place amid a pause in U.S. military aid to Ukraine, prompting Zelensky to stress, “Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians” as Trump criticized him for not being open to negotiations. The Biden administration announced the suspension of military assistance to Ukraine after diplomatic discussions broke down last week. In his message, Zelensky expressed readiness to work “under President Trump's strong leadership” to achieve lasting peace and acknowledged the importance of U.S. support, especially recalling the provision of Javelins, an anti-tank missile system sold during Trump’s first term.During the tense meeting, Vice-President JD Vance accused Zelensky of ingratitude towards American military support. Following this clash, a proposed deal granting U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals remained unsigned, with Trump telling Zelensky, “Come back when you’re ready for peace.”Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s willingness to sign the minerals and security agreement, viewing it as vital for enhancing security guarantees. Despite tensions, he referenced a potential truce with Russia hinted by France, suggesting that a ban on missile attacks and a prisoner exchange could be start points for a ceasefire. As the situation evolves, Zelensky remains committed to speedy progress in negotiating a final agreement with the U.S. and addressing the ongoing war with Russia.
