Kyiv — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated that while Ukraine desires peace, achieving a “just and lasting peace” hinges on securing firm security guarantees, particularly from the United States. His comments came after a public clash with US President Donald Trump over the ongoing war with Russia.
In a series of posts on X, Zelenskyy thanked the US government and people for their support in Ukraine’s fight against Russia but called for a stronger, more unified stance from the US. He laid the blame for the conflict squarely on Russia, describing it as the “enemy,” and expressed concerns that Moscow could break any future ceasefire agreements, as it has done repeatedly in the past.
“We are very grateful for America’s support, especially during these three years of full-scale invasion,” Zelenskyy stated. “President Trump, Congress, and the American people have been crucial to our survival. Despite the tough conversations, we remain strategic partners. But we must be direct and honest with each other to truly understand our shared goals.”
Quoting former US President Ronald Reagan, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for more than just the absence of war. “As President Reagan once said, ‘Peace is not just the absence of war.’ What we seek is a real, just, and lasting peace—freedom, justice, and human rights for all. Ceasefires won’t work with Putin. He has broken them 25 times in the past decade. What we need is genuine peace,” he added.
Zelenskyy argued that the war in Ukraine is not only about territorial control but about Ukraine’s very survival. “This is a fight for our freedom, for our survival,” he said. “We need security guarantees and support from our allies to ensure a real peace.”
While acknowledging that Ukraine is prepared to sign a minerals agreement with the US as a step toward security guarantees, Zelenskyy stressed that more is needed. “A ceasefire without security guarantees is dangerous. We’ve been fighting for three years, and the Ukrainian people need to know America is on our side,” he said.
Zelenskyy also addressed his position on Russia, insisting that no compromise could be made regarding Moscow. “Russia is the enemy,” he stated. “Ukraine wants peace, but it must be a just and lasting peace. To achieve that, we need to be strong at the negotiation table, knowing that we have security guarantees in place and that our allies stand with us.”
The Ukrainian president also warned that it would be difficult for Ukraine to continue without US support. “It will be hard without the US. But we can’t lose our will, our freedom, or our people. We’ve seen how the Russians came into our homes and killed many innocent lives. We cannot afford to let another wave of occupation happen,” he said.
Zelenskyy further emphasized that while Europe is willing to fund Ukraine’s army, they lack the necessary weapons to repel Russian forces. “Europe is ready to help fund our army, but we still need the US to define the security guarantees—what they entail, how much, and when they will be delivered. Only then can we discuss diplomacy with Russia, Europe, and the US,” he explained.
He also appealed for stronger support from the US, stressing the importance of standing firm in the face of Russian aggression. “When people talk about losses, every single life matters. Russia invaded our homes, killed our people, and tried to erase us. This isn’t just about territories or numbers—it’s about real lives,” he added.
Zelenskyy acknowledged that the US has always advocated for peace through strength and urged America to continue its historic support for Ukraine. “Ukraine’s relationship with the US goes beyond just two leaders. It’s a deep, historic bond between our peoples,” he said. “I want to express our gratitude to the American people, and I hope our relationship remains strong.”
Zelenskyy’s comments followed a tense verbal exchange with US President Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the White House. The confrontation, which involved raised voices and criticism, was witnessed by White House officials and journalists. After the meeting, Trump accused Zelenskyy of not pursuing an immediate ceasefire, while Zelenskyy left the White House earlier than planned, without signing the minerals agreement or attending the scheduled press conference.
