The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed his willingness on Tuesday to concede to work “under the leadership” of the President of the United States, after Donald Trump withdrew aid amid the war with Russia.
With a series of messages through his account on X, the Ukrainian leader admitted that the meeting with Trump last Friday in the Oval Office of the White House did not go as expected, but emphasized that there is still time to “make things right”.
“Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, was not as it was supposed to be. It is unfortunate that it happened this way. It’s time to get things right. We would like future cooperation and communication to be constructive,” said Zelensky, showing willingness for a new meeting.
During his visit to the White House, Zelensky was pressured by Trump and his Vice President JD Vance to sign a mineral agreement that would allow the United States to exploit the rare earth deposits in Ukraine.
They told him that if an agreement was not reached, they would leave the room. Vance called it “disrespectful” and urged him to thank Trump for the help he has received in mediating for a ceasefire with the Russians.
Despite the fact that the Ukrainian leader has sent messages on X, thanking the United States, on Monday night the Republican government withdrew the aid, even the aid that was already committed.
However, Zelensky has not apologized for the confrontation at the White House, and that is a demand from Donald Trump.
“I would like to reiterate Ukraine’s commitment to peace. None of us wants an endless war. 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‚” was part of Zelensky’s message on X this Tuesday.
Zelensky agreed to sign minerals deal with Trump
The day after the meeting with Trump, Zelensky said on X that he is willing to sign the minerals agreement, but he emphasized that this is only a first step, as more is needed to provide security guarantees to Ukraine.
Vance appeared this Tuesday before journalists, stating that Trump has not declined the minerals agreement, which suggests that there are still chances they might agree on this point.
The Vice President indicated that the upcoming meetings could be held in private and that military aid to Ukraine could be reactivated if they come to the negotiating table.