Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, following a tense and highly publicised meeting with former President Donald Trump at the White House, said that he remains hopeful about restoring ties with the United States. Ukrainian President also expressed his willingness to visit the United States if invited by President Trump for a meaningful dialogue.
“To solve real problems, for serious issues and real, decisive actions and answers – I will arrive,” a Bloomberg report quoted Zelensky as saying.
After a summit with European leaders, Zelensky spoke to reporters at London’s airport and stressed that Ukraine’s relationship with the US would endure despite the diplomatic strain. “I believe our partnership will continue,” he said.
However, Zelensky also voiced discomfort with the way the Oval Office meeting unfolded, criticising its open and public nature. “I do not think it’s right when such discussions are totally open. The format of what happened, I don’t think it brought something positive or additional to us as partners,” Reuters quoted him saying.
Zelensky-Trump tense White House meet
Zelensky was referring to a heated Oval Office meeting with Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which was broadcast live on Friday. During the exchange, Trump accused Zelensky of being ungrateful for US aid, disrespecting his country, and pushing the world toward a potential World War Three.
The incident has raised fresh doubts about continued US support for Ukraine as the country’s war with Russia enters its third year.
‘They will not help Putin’
Despite the friction, Zelensky said he remains confident the US will not abandon Ukraine, warning that such a move would effectively hand victory to Russia.
“The US leads the civilised world — they will not help Putin,” Zelensky stated, adding that Ukrainian and US officials have remained in contact since the tense meeting.
When asked whether he was considering stepping down amid the escalating political pressure, Zelensky dismissed the idea. “As for resignation — replacing me won’t be easy. It’s not enough to just hold elections. You’d have to find a way to stop me from running, and that would be far more difficult,” he said.