Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to the “American people” and leadership, hoping for a “strong relationship” a day after an unexpected clash with Donald Trump left many questioning the position of the once-staunch allies.
Ukraine walked into the White House on Friday ready to sign a mineral deal with the United States, hoping it would be a step toward a just ceasefire, but walked away empty-handed.
In a series of posts on X on Saturday, the Ukrainian president noted that his people were “very grateful to the United States for all the support provided,” specifically thanking Mr. Trump and Congress, as well as “the American people.”
“Our relationship with the American President is more than just a bond between two leaders: it is a historic and enduring bond between our peoples. … The American people helped save our people,” he wrote.
“We only want a strong relationship with America, and I sincerely hope that we will have that.”
The argument that erupted in the final minutes of the leaders' meeting in the Oval Office on Friday appeared to dash, at least for now, Ukraine's hopes that the United States could be a reliable partner in repelling and ending three years of Russian aggression.
During the exchange, the frustrated Ukrainian president was criticized by Mr. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, who saw him as ungrateful for previous U.S. support.
“You are playing with millions of people… You are threatening World War III,” Mr. Trump told Mr. Zelensky of his efforts to counter the Russian invasion.
This brought joy to officials in Moscow, who saw it as a final break in relations between Washington and the Ukrainian leader.
Mr Zelensky arrived in London on Saturday for a European summit hosted by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Sunday's meeting will bring together the leaders of France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Turkey, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Romania, as well as the NATO Secretary General and the presidents of the European Commission and the European Council.
French President Emmanuel Macron told Portuguese news channel RTP: “If anyone is betting on World War III, it is Vladimir Putin.”
“I hope that the United States of America will continue to follow its history and its principles. Every time we have had major conflicts, the United States has been on the right side of history and freedom.”
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier noted: “Diplomacy fails when negotiating partners humiliate themselves before the entire world.”
“The scene in the White House yesterday shocked me. I would never have believed that we would ever have to defend Ukraine from the United States.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said a “new era of meanness” had begun, but vowed it would only strengthen her country's commitment to Ukraine.
“Many of you slept uncomfortably last night because of the horrific videos coming out of the White House. Frankly, I did too. Unfortunately, this was not a bad dream, but a harsh reality,” she told reporters on Saturday.
“Today our horror is greater than ever, but so is our commitment to the people of Ukraine, to our own security, and to peace in Europe.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
