Despite Oval Office showdown, Ukraine's President stresses need for U.S. support and a just peace deal
Updated: March 1, 2025
Zelensky Defends His US Visit After Heated Exchange with Trump
A day after U.S. President Donald Trump accused Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky of lacking gratitude and dismissed him from the White House meeting, Zelensky responded forcefully on social media, reiterating his country’s fight for survival and the need for U.S. backing.
Also Read: Here is What Triggered the Trump-Zelensky Fallout?
"We want peace. That's why I came to the United States and visited President Trump. The deal on minerals is just a first step toward security guarantees and getting closer to peace," Zelensky posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The remarks follow the heated Oval Office exchange, which ended with Trump canceling a joint press conference and telling Zelensky he could "come back when he is ready for peace".
Trump vs. Zelensky: The War of Words Continues
Following their tense meeting, Trump took to Truth Social, where he blasted Zelensky for his stance on the war and his refusal to negotiate with Russia.
"I have determined that President Zelensky is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations," Trump wrote.
He also accused Zelensky of "disrespecting the U.S. in its cherished Oval Office" and stated that the Ukrainian leader can return only when he is ready to negotiate peace.
In response, Zelensky thanked U.S. allies who expressed support following the confrontation and stressed that Ukraine cannot simply stop fighting without guarantees that Putin won’t return.
Zelensky Stands His Ground: “Ceasefires Won’t Work”
Key Points from Zelensky’s Response:
Ukraine values U.S. support despite the clash with Trump. A ceasefire without security guarantees is dangerous because Putin has violated ceasefires 25 times in the last decade. Ukraine remains open to strategic cooperation with the U.S., including the minerals deal. Ukraine needs to be strong at the negotiation table, not forced into concessions. Russia remains the enemy, and Ukraine will continue to fight for its freedom and survival.
"We are ready to sign the minerals agreement, but it's not enough. A ceasefire without security guarantees is dangerous for Ukraine. We've been fighting for 3 years, and Ukrainian people need to know that America is on our side," Zelensky wrote.
Despite the bitter diplomatic episode, Zelensky remains adamant that peace must be "just and lasting"—a stark contrast to Trump’s demand for immediate negotiations.
What’s Next in U.S.-Ukraine Relations?
Zelensky seeks continued U.S. military and economic aid. Trump prioritizes diplomatic negotiations over military assistance. Uncertainty looms over future U.S. involvement in Ukraine.
While the Oval Office clash dominated global headlines, Zelensky’s latest remarks suggest he will not back down, even as Trump's administration pushes for a drastic shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine.
As tensions escalate on the diplomatic front, the next moves by both leaders could reshape the future of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Tags: #TrumpZelensky, #UkraineWar, #RussiaUkraineConflict, #USForeignPolicy, #WorldNews, #Zelensky, #Trump, #USUkraineRelations, #GlobalPolitics, #PeaceTalks,
Last Updated on March 1, 2025 by Misha Bhatia
