Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude towards President Donald Trump and the American people for their assistance in his country’s conflict with Russia. Zelensky’s acknowledgment came during an interview with Fox News host Bret Baier, where he emphasized the importance of the enduring relationship between the two nations beyond the interactions of their leaders.
Zelensky’s comments followed a meeting with Trump in the Oval Office that ended on a tense note, prompting Trump to cancel a planned press conference with the Ukrainian President. According to a White House official, Trump asked Zelensky to leave after their meeting, leading to Zelensky’s swift departure from the White House.
In a statement issued later, Trump expressed disappointment with Zelensky’s perceived lack of readiness for peace negotiations involving the United States. Trump cited a belief that Zelensky viewed American involvement as providing an unfair advantage in talks, leading to a breakdown in their discussions.
The meeting, initially intended to finalize a mineral deal between the two countries, took an unexpected turn as Zelensky left without signing the agreement. Despite the abrupt end to their talks, Zelensky remained optimistic about the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations, expressing a desire for strong ties moving forward.
The events surrounding the Oval Office meeting underscored the complexities of international diplomacy and the challenges of navigating sensitive negotiations. While the encounter between Zelensky and Trump may have hit a roadblock, the underlying bond between the American and Ukrainian people remains a cornerstone of their shared history.