Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on Donald Trump to take a firmer stance in supporting Ukraine as he arrived in the UK for discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Speaking after a tense meeting with Trump at the White House, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of U.S. backing in Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.
“I want the U.S. to stand more firmly on our side,” he stated. “This war was brought to our land by Russia—it’s not just a conflict between two nations, but a violation of our territorial integrity.”
Acknowledging Trump's desire to end the war, Zelenskyy insisted that no one seeks peace more than Ukraine. “We are the ones living this war. It is a fight for our freedom and survival,” he said.
Despite recent tensions, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for America’s support, highlighting its crucial role in Ukraine’s resilience. “We deeply appreciate the assistance from President Trump, Congress, and the American people, especially throughout these three years of full-scale invasion,” he wrote on X.
However, he stressed the need for honesty in discussions between the two nations. “America’s help has been vital, but we must be direct to truly understand our shared goals.”
Their meeting took a dramatic turn when Trump accused Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War Three.” In response, the Ukrainian leader reiterated that there should be “no compromises” with Russia. The exchange ended with Zelenskyy being asked to leave the White House, after which Trump posted on social media that Zelenskyy should return when he is “ready for peace.”
Despite the heated encounter, Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to its partnership with the U.S. “Our relationship with the American President is more than just a connection between two leaders—it represents a historic bond between our nations. American support has saved lives, and we remain truly grateful,” he said.
Zelenskyy also addressed broader international dynamics, noting, “All Ukrainians want to hear a strong U.S. position in our favor. It’s understandable that the U.S. may seek dialogue with Putin, but America has always championed ‘peace through strength.’ Together, we can take strong steps against Putin.”
Following the confrontation, European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, voiced their support for Zelenskyy. Starmer reiterated Britain’s “unwavering support” for Ukraine after speaking with both leaders.