WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy decried Tuesday last week’s controversial meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump as “regrettable,” reiterating his openness to negotiating peace and deepening bilateral ties. This follows the freeze on military assistance to Kyiv by the U.S. administration.
“Our Washington meeting, at the White House on Friday, did not go as it was meant to. Unfortunately, it went this way,” Zelenskyy posted on social site X. “It is time to set things right.”
The Oval Office meeting reportedly was heated, culminating in the sudden cancellation of a scheduled minerals pact between the two countries. The pact had been designed to provide the U.S. access to Ukraine’s vital minerals in return for security guarantees. Immediately after the meeting, the White House confirmed an end to U.S. military aid to Ukraine, something which has triggered worry because of the war ongoing in Ukraine and Russia.
Despite the setback, Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s desire for peace and showed a readiness to go forward with the agreement on minerals and security. “As for the agreement on security and minerals, Ukraine is willing to sign it at any moment and in any convenient format,” he said. “We understand this agreement to be a move toward enhanced security and stable security guarantees, and I sincerely hope it will act effectively.”
Tensions between the leaders have been building, with Trump already slamming Zelenskyy’s leadership and Zelenskyy critiquing the U.S. administration’s handling of peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The recent cut-off of U.S. aid has created fresh nervousness in Ukraine, which depends a lot on outside help to deal with Russian aggression.
In his letter, Zelenskyy sketched out preliminary steps to peace, such as a ceasefire in air and naval actions and the freeing of captives, subject to mutual response by Russia. He also thanked previous U.S. aid, specifically the shipment of Javelin missiles, and emphasized ongoing cooperation.
European partners, led by France and the United Kingdom, have pledged their continued support for Ukraine amid these developments. The suspension of American aid has convinced these countries to begin looking at further moves to support the defense capabilities of Ukraine.
