Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that an agreement to end the war with Russia is still far from reach. Despite ongoing discussions, he believes Ukraine’s partnership with the United States is strong enough to ensure continued support.
“I believe our relationship with the U.S. is built on more than short-term politics,” Zelensky said during a briefing in London. He expressed confidence that American aid would continue despite recent tensions with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Tensions with Trump and U.S. Support
Zelensky’s comments come after a heated exchange with Trump and Vice President JD Vance, where they accused him of lacking gratitude for U.S. assistance. Ukraine, facing a larger Russian military, continues to struggle on the battlefield.
During his visit to London, Zelensky met with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders to secure additional support for Ukraine amid uncertainty about future U.S. assistance.
No Immediate Path to Peace
When asked about a new European peace initiative, Zelensky avoided details, stating, “We are only discussing first steps. Until plans are official, I cannot say more.”
He stressed that a peace deal must be fair, honest, and lasting, adding that no concrete steps have been taken toward ending the war.
Trump Criticizes Zelensky’s Statement
Trump responded to Zelensky’s remarks on his Truth Social platform, calling them “the worst statement that could have been made.” He suggested that Ukraine’s leader was reluctant to pursue peace as long as the country continued to receive U.S. and European aid.
Trump also pointed out that European leaders admitted they could not fully support Ukraine without American involvement, raising concerns about the continent’s ability to stand against Russia alone.
Germany’s Perspective on U.S.-Ukraine Relations
Meanwhile, Friedrich Merz, expected to be Germany’s next leader, commented on the recent Oval Office dispute. He suggested the tense meeting between Zelensky and Trump wasn’t just a spontaneous argument, but rather an intentional escalation.
Merz also noted a shift in Washington’s stance in recent weeks, warning that Europe must prepare for greater self-reliance in security matters. However, he stressed the importance of keeping U.S.-European relations strong, stating, “We must do everything possible to keep America engaged in Europe.”
