Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a reset in relations with the United States following a heated exchange with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office last week. In a social media post on Tuesday, Zelenskyy expressed regret over the contentious meeting and emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to work under Trump’s leadership to achieve lasting peace. He proposed a limited truce with Russia, including prisoner exchanges and immediate ceasefires in the air and sea, signaling a potential shift in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Oval Office clash, which involved Trump and Vice President JD Vance reprimanding Zelenskyy, has raised concerns about the U.S.’s commitment to Ukraine and strained diplomatic relations. The meeting was intended to finalize a deal allowing the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources in exchange for a reconstruction fund, but the talks fell apart. Zelenskyy has also been pushing for U.S. security guarantees to protect Ukraine from future Russian aggression, though Trump’s recent decision to suspend military aid to Kyiv has cast doubt on the likelihood of such assurances.
Despite the tensions, Zelenskyy remains optimistic about future cooperation. “It is time to make things right,” he wrote, adding that Ukraine is prepared to sign a minerals and security agreement with the U.S. at any time. His conciliatory tone marks a stark contrast to the Biden administration’s strong support for Ukraine, which was aimed at countering Russian expansionism. The Kremlin has welcomed the Trump administration’s approach, suggesting that U.S. and Russian interests may now align more closely.
Meanwhile, European leaders have rallied behind Zelenskyy, pledging to fill any gaps left by the U.S. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the U.K. and France are crafting a peace plan for Ukraine and will present it to Trump. “Europe must do the heavy lifting, but this effort must have strong U.S. backing,” Starmer said. Other European nations are also joining the initiative, underscoring the continent’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
Domestically, Trump’s handling of the situation has sparked criticism from some Republicans. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) expressed dismay, writing, “I am sick to my stomach as the administration appears to be walking away from our allies and embracing Putin.” Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) also lamented the lack of diplomacy during the Oval Office meeting, stating, “Diplomacy and statesmanship seem to have been checked at the door.”
Vice President Vance, however, defended the administration’s stance, asserting that the U.S. continues to pressure Russia economically through sanctions. “We believe in applying pressure to everybody to stop the killing,” he said.
As the geopolitical landscape shifts, Zelenskyy’s olive branch to Trump highlights Ukraine’s determination to secure peace and stability, even as U.S. support remains uncertain.
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