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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has described his recent Oval Office meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump as “regrettable,” stating that it did not unfold as expected. Despite the tense exchange, he reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to pursuing peace and signaled a willingness to negotiate an end to the conflict.
“I would like to reiterate Ukraine’s commitment to peace,” Zelensky wrote on X, directly addressing the high-profile meeting with Trump. During the discussion, Trump and Vice President JD Vance harshly criticized Zelensky, accusing him of “gambling with World War Three” and warning, “Your country is in big trouble.”
Reflecting on the encounter, Zelensky stated, “Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, did not go the way it was supposed to be. It is regrettable that it happened this way. It is time to make things right. We would like future cooperation and communication to be constructive.”
The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Kyiv and Washington, with Western leaders closely monitoring the evolving relationship. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is prepared to enter negotiations as soon as possible to secure lasting peace. “None of us wants an endless war,” he added. “Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer. Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians. My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts.”
The fallout from the Oval Office meeting underscored growing strains between the two nations. Nevertheless, Kyiv appears eager to mend diplomatic ties, and Zelensky expressed hope that discussions would become more constructive moving forward.
In his statement, Zelensky also addressed a minerals agreement that had been scheduled for signing on Friday but was derailed by the tense meeting. “Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it in any time and in any convenient format. We see this agreement as a step toward greater security and solid security guarantees, and I truly hope it will work effectively,” he said.
Additionally, Zelensky outlined initial steps toward a potential ceasefire, suggesting measures that could lay the groundwork for broader peace efforts. “We are ready to work fast to end the war, and the first stages could be the release of prisoners and truce in the sky — ban on missiles, long-ranged drones, bombs on energy and other civilian infrastructure — and truce in the sea immediately, if Russia will do the same,” he explained. “Then we want to move very fast through all next stages and to work with the U.S. to agree a strong final deal.”
Zelensky’s proposed framework aligns with a plan put forward by French President Emmanuel Macron following a recent summit of Western leaders in London, which took place amid growing concerns over Ukraine’s future.
Despite the diplomatic turbulence, Zelensky expressed gratitude for past U.S. support. “We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence. And we remember the moment when things changed when President Trump provided Ukraine with Javelins. We are grateful for this,” he said.
However, Trump’s response to Zelensky’s statements remains uncertain. His administration recently initiated direct talks with Russia without involving Ukraine, further complicating diplomatic efforts. Additionally, on Monday, Trump ordered a temporary pause on U.S. military aid to Ukraine. The suspension, which followed meetings with top national security officials, will remain in place until Trump determines that Zelensky is fully committed to peace negotiations. A senior official noted that the move effectively pressures Ukraine to engage in talks by leveraging the country’s battlefield needs.
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