VOLODYMYR Zelensky has said he is ready to work “under Donald Trump” and shared that he “regrets” his brutal Oval Office row with the President – but stopped short of an apology.
The brave Ukrainian leader has also shared how he thinks fighting with Russia could come to an end and the sides could reach the negotiating table.
Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump got into a shouting match in the Oval Office on FridayEPA
Zelensky prepares to meet European leaders on SundayPA
Ukrainian troops fire a howitzerEPA
Zelensky said on Tuesday afternoon in an X post that he is willing to work “under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts”.
It comes after Trump paused all US military aid to Ukraine – leaving the world stunned and Europe in turmoil.
Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the United States has been Ukraine’s biggest backer, providing $65.9 billion in military support.
The Ukrainian president said in the bombshell X post that “none of us wants an endless war” and that “Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer.”
Zelensky appears to have bent to Trump’s will – who has demanded that Kyiv follow his lead on getting to peace.
It follows the two leaders’ shouting match in the Oval Office on Friday where Trump told Zelensky he was “gambling with World War Three” before booting him out.
Trump has accused Zelensky of deliberately dragging out the war and insisted that a peace agreement with Russia “could be made very fast” – if Kyiv was willing to negotiate.
In the X post, Zelensky also addressed the fiery meeting directly saying it was “regrettable” how it happened.
He said: “Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, did not go the way it was supposed to be.”
Zelensky continued: “We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence.
“And we remember the moment when things changed when President Trump provided Ukraine with Javelins. We are grateful for this.”
It comes after Trump’s Vice President JD Vance sparked fury across the political spectrum after he dismissed countries offering boots-on-the-ground support to Ukraine.
He told Fox News: “If you want real security guarantees, if you want to actually ensure that Vladimir Putin does not invade Ukraine again, the very best security guarantee is to give Americans economic upside in the future of Ukraine.”
“That is a way better security guarantee than 20,000 troops from some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years.”
And on Monday night, Trump paused all military aid for Ukraine, having an immediate impact on Ukrainian stockpiles and imports.
Trump also said before the pause was announced that Zelensky “will not be around very long” unless he agrees to America’s terms on a peace deal.
He told reporters at the White House: “It should not be that hard a deal to make.
“It could be made very fast. Now, maybe somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, and if somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, I think that person won’t be around very long.
Donald Trump had paused all US military aid to Ukraine for the foreseeable future
Fierce fighting inside Ukraine has continued despite peace talks
“That person will not be listened to very long.”
Zelensky also said that he is willing to sign the minerals deal that was due to be inked at the White House on Friday but when unsigned after he was booted out.
Trump on Monday said he would still be willing to sign the “great deal”.
The same day, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the minerals deal was not enough of a security guarantee on its own for Kyiv.
He told Parliament that the US still needed to provide a backstop to any European force of peacekeepers in the country.
Sir Keir told MPs Britain needs to “lead from the front” and that the European “coalition of the willing” has been formed to avoid moving “at the speed of the most reluctant and that will be too slow”.
Kyiv had hopes the deal will improve relations with the Trump administration, bolster long-term security ties and draw the Ukraine war closer to an end.
The agreement, which centres on the joint development of Ukraine’s vast mineral resources — including oil and gas — comes after Washington dropped its demand for a $500 billion share of potential revenues.
Zelensky also laid out his own plan in the post to get to a ceasefire and get the parties to the negotiating table.
He said: “We are ready to work fast to end the war, and the first stages could be the release of prisoners and truce in the sky — ban on missiles, long-ranged drones, bombs on energy and other civilian infrastructure — and truce in the sea immediately, if Russia will do the same.
“Then we want to move very fast through all next stages and to work with the US to agree a strong final deal.”
Zelensky shared his plan on X
Ukrinform / PolarisUkrainian soldiers shoot from a T-72 tank[/caption]