In a tense turn of events, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with Keir Starmer today, following a heated confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Despite the escalating tensions, Zelensky remains firm in his refusal to apologize to Trump, while maintaining optimism that the strained relationship between Ukraine and the U.S. can be salvaged.
The Ukrainian President is preparing for critical discussions with European leaders this weekend, a meeting confirmed by Number 10, according to Daily Mail. This comes after Zelensky's arrival at Stansted earlier today. The meeting is seen as a crucial step in bridging the gap between the nations, with the Prime Minister hoping to play a pivotal role.
Analysts have cautioned that without significant intervention, the bizarre events in the Oval Office could potentially lead to the dissolution of NATO and a halt in military aid to Ukraine by Trump. In a show of gratitude towards America, Zelensky praised the nation for its role in "saving" the Ukrainian people, expressing his hope for continued strong relations with the U.S.
Despite the "tough dialogue," Zelensky affirmed that the countries remain "strategic partners." with Trump's support being "crucial" to the war effort. However, he urged the U.S. to stand "more firmly on our side," stating, "It will be difficult without the U.S. support. But we cant lose our will, our freedom, or our people."
In a surprising turn of events, Trump, alongside VP JD Vance, publicly humiliated the wartime leader, declaring that Zelensky was "not ready for peace." Trump accused Zelensky of "gambling with World War Three" as plans for a minerals deal, which would have furthered U.S. support in exchange for access to Ukraine's natural resources, were abandoned.
In the aftermath of the clash, Sir Keir engaged in talks with both leaders, a day after he met with Trump to commend the U.S. President's efforts to secure a peace deal. This weekend, Zelensky will participate in a gathering of European leaders at Downing Street, where they will strategize on how to enforce a future Ukraine peace deal, a task the Prime Minister believes will require U.S. involvement.
Following the verbal altercation, Zelensky abruptly left the White House, later refusing to apologize and asserting that Trump should be "more on our side." Reports suggest that the President is considering terminating military aid shipments to Ukraine.
When asked by Fox News if the U.S.-Ukraine relationship could still be salvaged, Zelensky responded, "Yes, of course, because it's relations more than two presidents. It's strong relations between our people and that's why I always thank your people from our people." However, when pressed on whether he would apologize to Trump, he declined, stating that he was "thankful" to the president and his country, and emphasizing the need for honesty and directness in their interactions.
The leaders are among those who will convene in London on Sunday to discuss how to bolster Ukraine's current position, with military support and increased economic pressure on Russia.
The UK is seeking U.S. military assets to provide surveillance, intelligence, and potentially warplanes to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from launching another attempt to conquer Ukraine. Jeremy Hunt, former foreign secretary, warned that NATO could risk losing the U.S. if it does not feel Europe is "pulling its weight."
In a bid to minimize the fallout from the diplomatic uproar, Zelensky took to X, formerly Twitter, to express his appreciation for America. He acknowledged the vital role of America's help in their survival and emphasized the need for honesty and directness in understanding their shared goals.
Despite his insistence that ceasefires will not work, Zelensky is willing to sign a minerals agreement in exchange for security guarantees, although he believes it is "not enough." He stressed the importance of U.S. support, stating, "It will be difficult without the U.S. support. But we cant lose our will, our freedom, or our people."
In the wake of the incident, Russians have gloated over what they perceive as a "public political execution" and a "verbal brawl," taking delight in the ensuing chaos in the West.
This morning, Zelensky defended his nation, asserting that his people "need to know that they are not alone" and that they are "heard and not forgotten." He emphasized the importance of strong U.S. support, stating, "All Ukrainians want to hear a strong U.S. position on our side."
In response to the meeting, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for "respectable diplomacy," asserting that a "divided West only benefits Russia." She stressed the need to continue working with both Ukraine and the U.S., despite disagreements over the events of the previous day.
The Reform Party leader, Nigel Farage, described the "spat" as "regrettable," stating it would make Putin feel like the winner. Meanwhile, a No 10 spokeswoman affirmed the Prime Minister's unwavering support for Ukraine and his commitment to finding a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine.
The statement from Downing Street followed a show of unity from Europe's political leaders, expressing solidarity with Zelensky. The Ukrainian President thanked dozens of allies on social media, a day after Trump and JD Vance accused him of not being sufficiently grateful.
In Moscow, the country is reveling in Trump's televised spectacle, with newscasters and public figures joyfully reveling in the war leader's humiliation. The tense war of words played out inside the Oval Office quickly went off the rails when Trump took offense at how Zelensky treated his Vice President JD Vance, in front of the cameras.
Zelensky, speaking to Fox News, was asked point-blank if he owed Trump an apology and twice filibustered before refusing and instead attempting to be gracious and added "I'm not sure we did something bad."
The Ukrainian leader said he needs Trump to be "on the same side" and needs him to stop Vladimir Putin. "I want President Trump to be more on our side," he said when Baier asked if he felt it was okay for Trump to be "in the middle" of negotiations. "Trump said he will stop the war and I hope he will. We need to pressure him with Europe."
Zelensky also said that Trump was lying when the president said that he wants to go back into the White House and have a do-over right now. "No. First of all, we want peace, that's why we are in the US. The deal on minerals is the first step to security guarantees, it's the first step closer to peace. We have a tough situation, to understand it is to be in Ukraine," he said.
He added: "But I respect my soldiers and our people, our civilians who work and support our warriors. I can't just say stop because everyone is afraid that Putin will come back tomorrow."
Zelensky added that he respects Trump and the American people but reiterated that he felt he was being honest. "I think this kind of spat is not good for both sides. I can't change our Ukrainian attitude to Russia. They are killers for us. This is very clear that Americans are the best friends, Europeans are the best friends. It doesn't mean that we don't want peace, we recognize the reality of the situation."
He also said that his country wants peace and diplomacy and said they are willing to negotiate, going against what Trump said that he wants to "fight fight fight." "Ukraine wants peace and we will have diplomacy, we will have negotiations. It's about just and lasting peace, we have to be very strong at the table of negotiations," he said.
Baier asked him lastly if his relationship with Trump was repairable after this mess. "Yes, of course, because it's relations more than two presidents. It's strong relations between our people and that's why I always thank your people from our people."
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