Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed heartfelt gratitude for American support during a turbulent meeting with former President Donald Trump at the White House. This encounter, which took place on the eve of a significant summit in the UK, was marked by tension and disagreement.
The Ukrainian president arrived in Washington, D.C., aiming to secure a ceasefire after three years of conflict with Russia. He also hoped to discuss a potential mineral deal with the U.S. However, the meeting quickly escalated into a heated argument. Vice President JD Vance challenged Zelenskyy, questioning whether he had ever thanked the U.S. for its assistance. In response, Zelenskyy emphasized that he always begins with gratitude toward the American people for their support.
In a lengthy social media post, Zelenskyy reiterated the importance of the U.S.-Ukraine relationship, stating that it goes beyond just the leaders involved. He emphasized that the American support has been crucial in saving lives and protecting human rights in Ukraine. "We’re truly thankful," he said, expressing a desire for strong relations with the U.S.
The confrontation intensified as Trump accused Zelenskyy of being disrespectful and gambling with the lives of millions. He urged Zelenskyy to show more appreciation for the U.S. backing. Zelenskyy defended his position, pushing back against Trump’s softer stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin, insisting that there should be no compromises with a "killer."
After the argument, Trump reportedly asked Zelenskyy to leave the White House, leaving the proposed mineral deal uncertain. The meeting was widely covered by the media, highlighting the growing rift between the two leaders.
Amidst this turmoil, European leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Olaf Scholz, expressed their support for Zelenskyy ahead of the UK summit, where discussions will focus on the ongoing war in Ukraine and security in Europe. Zelenskyy is set to meet with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and other European leaders as they gather to address these pressing issues.