Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed deep appreciation for the longstanding support from the United States in a statement concluding a week of high-stakes transatlantic diplomacy. The week was marked by a significant and public rift with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
Zelenskyy characterized recent diplomatic engagements as the start of an extended effort aimed at securing a peace agreement to end Russia’s three-year invasion of Ukraine. “In the coming days and weeks, numerous meetings and collaborative initiatives will take place,” Zelenskyy stated in a video message shared on the presidential website.
“There will be diplomacy dedicated to achieving peace,” he continued. “And it is essential that we remain united—Ukraine, all of Europe, and, crucially, the United States.”
A tense meeting on Friday between Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vice President JD Vance highlighted stark differences in their perspectives on the war. Trump has repeatedly and falsely blamed Ukraine for the conflict while simultaneously seeking to erode Zelenskyy’s credibility.
Russia Welcomes U.S. Policy Shift
Russian officials reacted positively to the contentious meeting. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked on state television Sunday that Trump’s administration is “swiftly reshaping” the U.S.’s approach to foreign policy, bringing it “closer to our perspective.”
In his Sunday address, Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s gratitude for American assistance. “We fully recognize the significance of the United States and deeply appreciate all the support we have received. Not a single day has passed without our gratitude, as this support has been vital in safeguarding our independence,” he emphasized.
“Our goal is peace, not perpetual conflict,” Zelenskyy affirmed. “This is why security guarantees remain the foundation of any viable peace.”
European Leaders Unite in Support of Ukraine
On Sunday, Zelenskyy attended a summit of European leaders in London. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that he, Trump, and French President Emmanuel Macron had agreed that the U.K. and France would collaborate with Ukraine to draft a peace proposal, which would subsequently be presented to the U.S.
Starmer’s plan includes maintaining aid to Ukraine and sustaining economic pressure on Russia. He underscored that any enduring peace agreement must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, with Kyiv playing a central role in negotiations.
Should an agreement be reached, Starmer pledged that Europe would continue to provide military assistance to Ukraine to deter any future aggression from Russia. He also mentioned forming a “coalition of willing nations” to help defend Ukraine.
The British prime minister stated that the U.K. is prepared to commit both military personnel and air support, while acknowledging that not all nations would be able to make similar commitments. He also emphasized that U.S. backing is crucial for the success of any peace deal.
Stronger European Unity on Ukraine
Following the summit, Zelenskyy reported that he had received “clear and unwavering support from Europe,” describing the meetings as fostering “greater unity and a stronger commitment to cooperation.”
“All of Europe stands united on one fundamental point—genuine peace requires real security guarantees,” Zelenskyy stated. “This is the consensus across the entire continent.”
“In the near future, European nations will define our shared positions—our red lines and our priorities,” he continued. “These will then be presented to our American partners.”
“Achieving a just and lasting peace, along with securing the right terms to end the war, is a top priority for all of us,” Zelenskyy concluded.