Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reaffirmed Kyiv’s commitment to diplomacy to swiftly end the ongoing war with Russia, emphasizing the need for U.S. support. His remarks followed a tense White House meeting with former President Donald Trump, where discussions turned contentious.
Zelenskiy’s statements came after Trump expressed frustration, citing an AP report that quoted the Ukrainian leader as saying peace was still "very, very far away." Over the weekend, Zelenskiy attended a summit with European allies to discuss a potential resolution, underscoring the urgency of international cooperation.
Taking to X, Zelenskiy highlighted the importance of substantive diplomatic efforts to secure peace as soon as possible, expressing hope for continued U.S. and European backing. Following the Washington dispute, he sought to reassure that strong relations with the U.S. remain a priority. Ukraine’s parliament echoed this sentiment, calling Trump’s peace efforts "decisive."
On Telegram, Zelenskiy reiterated the necessity of security guarantees, stressing unity among Ukraine and its partners. After speaking with leaders of the Baltic states, he emphasized that a concrete action plan is essential for achieving lasting security.
In his nightly address, Zelenskiy pointed to the absence of security assurances as a key factor behind Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 and previous conflicts in eastern Ukraine. He asserted that Russia is prolonging the war due to this lack of guarantees, urging global cooperation to restore stability.
"Ukraine, Europe, and the U.S. must work together, align our proposals, and accelerate diplomatic efforts," Zelenskiy stated. "Only united can we secure lasting peace."