Zelensky Describes White House Meeting with Trump as 'Regrettable'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed disappointment over his recent meeting with former President Donald Trump, underscoring the challenges in US-Ukraine relations amid a pause in military aid.

In a social media post, Zelensky termed the Oval Office meeting with Trump as "regrettable", emphasizing that it did not meet expectations. Following the breakdown in diplomacy, he acknowledged that Ukraine is eager for peace and ready to negotiate. The meeting was intended to secure a deal granting the US access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals but ended in conflict, with Trump accusing Zelensky of failing to seek peace and Vice-President JD Vance labeling him as ungrateful for US support.

Despite the tense exchanges, Zelensky reiterated gratitude for previous US military assistance and conveyed a desire for ongoing collaboration with the US under Trump’s leadership to ensure a lasting peace. The pause in US military aid, while not publicly addressed by Trump, marked a significant shift in US support for Ukraine.

In light of the mounting tension, Zelensky proposed several steps aimed at fostering dialogue, including a potential truce and prisoner exchanges. He called for cooperation to pursue a comprehensive agreement to resolve the ongoing conflict, indicating a readiness to engage rapidly in negotiations should Russia reciprocate.

As Zelensky navigates the fallout from the meeting and the complexities of US military support, the focus remains on finding pathways to peace amidst a fractured diplomatic landscape. Meanwhile, Trump's critical remarks regarding Zelensky's statements and the ongoing discussions continue to affect perceptions of the bilateral relationship between the two nations.