Zelensky expresses gratitude after heated White House exchange
Days after a tense confrontation at the White House with US President Donald Trump and Vice President J D Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky released a video message reaffirming his gratitude for US support in Ukraine’s ongoing war against Russia.
“There has not been a day when we haven’t felt gratitude. It’s gratitude for preserving our independence—our resilience in Ukraine is based on what our partners are doing for us and their own security,” Zelensky said in the video posted on X (formerly Twitter).
As a result of these days, we see clear support from Europe. Even more unity, even more willingness to cooperate.
Everyone is united on the main issue – for peace to be real, we need real security guarantees. And this is the position of all of Europe – the entire continent. The… pic.twitter.com/inGxdO8jQz
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 3, 2025
However, he maintained his stance on the need for security guarantees to end the war. “What we need is peace, not endless war. And that’s why we say security guarantees are the key to this,” he added.
Zelensky ready to sign US minerals deal under conditions
Shortly after his video statement, Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine is prepared to sign a minerals deal with the US if both parties agree to terms.
The minerals deal was proposed as a means to offer Washington financial benefits in return for assisting Ukraine in securing a truce. However, Trump has repeatedly refused to commit US military forces to back European peacekeeping troops.
“It is our policy to continue what happened in the past; we are constructive. If we agree to sign the minerals deal, we’re ready to sign it,” Zelensky said, as quoted by BBC.
Before the confrontation, Zelensky traveled to Washington expressing optimism about a US-Ukraine deal that would allow joint exploitation of Ukraine’s vast mineral resources as part of a post-war recovery plan under a US-brokered peace agreement.
Fiery Oval Office showdown
Zelensky’s ten-minute Oval Office meeting with Trump and J D Vance turned into a public argument in front of the international media.
- Trump accused Zelensky of being ungrateful and told him to be “more thankful” for US military aid.
- Vance emphasized the need for diplomacy to resolve the war and criticized Zelensky’s reluctance to compromise.
- Trump warned, “You’re either going to make a deal, or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out, and I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.”
- Trump had previously described the minerals deal as “very fair,” but the conversation quickly soured.
Following the heated exchange, Zelensky was asked to leave, and the resources deal was left unsigned.
European leaders rally behind Zelensky
In the aftermath of the White House clash, Ukraine’s European allies reaffirmed their support for Zelensky, vowing to increase security spending and form a coalition to protect any future truce.
- French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that France and Britain were considering a one-month partial ceasefire with Russia to facilitate negotiations.
- At the security summit in London, hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, 18 global leaders attended, including Macron, Canada’s Justin Trudeau, and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni.
- Zelensky reiterated Europe’s stance, stating, “Everyone is united on the main issue—for peace to be real, we need real security guarantees.”
Zelensky’s diplomatic outreach in London
After the White House fallout, Zelensky traveled to London, where he attended a key summit on the Russia-Ukraine war.
- In a statement, he again expressed gratitude to the US, acknowledging the critical role of American assistance.
- He reinforced that Ukraine seeks peace but requires concrete security commitments to ensure stability.
- The UK, a key supporter of Ukraine, continued discussions on military aid and long-term security agreements.
No minerals deal signed, uncertainty persists
Despite initial hopes, the US-Ukraine minerals deal remains unsigned following the White House confrontation.
- The deal was intended as a financial incentive for Washington to back Ukraine in peace negotiations.
- Trump’s tough stance on cutting foreign aid has raised concerns that US support for Ukraine may be reduced in the future.
- European leaders, however, have pledged to fill any gaps left by US hesitation, ensuring Ukraine receives necessary military and financial aid.
Conclusion
The Zelensky-Trump clash highlights growing tensions over US support for Ukraine, with Trump pushing for diplomacy while Zelensky demands security guarantees before negotiating with Russia.
As Ukraine’s allies in Europe reaffirm their backing, the failure to finalize the minerals deal underscores uncertainty over Ukraine’s future relationship with the US.
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