Ukraine’s President Zelensky Seeks to Mend Fences with Trump, Pledges to Sign Minerals Deal
KYIV: President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his willingness to "make things right" with Donald Trump and work under the US president’s "strong leadership" to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine.
In his first public comments since Trump halted US military aid to Ukraine, Zelensky described the public bust-up between him and Trump last week as "regrettable" and pledged to sign a key minerals deal with Washington.
A dramatic collapse in the Kyiv-Washington wartime alliance has played out in the open since a televised dispute between Zelensky and Trump in the Oval Office last week, mounting as Ukraine’s top ally suspended crucial military aid.
A Call for a Truce
Zelensky called for a "truce" in the sea and sky as a first step to ending the three-year war with Russia. He also instructed his defence and intelligence chiefs to contact their US counterparts to "get official information" on the aid freeze.
EU and NATO React
The EU, which is excluded from US-Russian negotiations towards a potential truce, has been scrambling to bolster support for Kyiv. French President Emmanuel Macron praised Zelensky for his willingness to "re-engage in dialogue" with Trump, while Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, expressed support for an immediate approval of a €3 billion Ukraine aid package.
The EU is set to hold an emergency summit on Thursday to cement joint European support for Ukraine. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen presented a plan to mobilise some €800 billion for Europe’s defence.
Public Reaction
Ordinary Ukrainians speaking to AFP were shocked at what they viewed as a betrayal by Trump. "It’s like a stab in the back," said a 33-year-old financial assistant in Kyiv who gave only her first name, Sofia. Army volunteer Sergiy Sternenko said, "Trump wants Ukraine’s surrender, the deaths of our people, the surrender of our territories."
Future of US-European Defence Cooperation
Europe is fearing for the future of US-European defence cooperation. Poland’s government noted that America’s decision was made without consulting NATO allies, and the impact is already being seen at a weapons and aid logistics hub for Ukraine it hosts. "Reports coming in from the border, as well as from our hub confirm the announcements made by the American side," said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Troops on the Ground?
Last week, Zelensky visited Washington to sign the multi-billion-dollar minerals deal – but that fell through after his showdown with Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Zelensky said Tuesday that Kyiv is ready to sign a deal giving the US preferential access to Ukraine’s natural resources and minerals at "any time and in any convenient format."
Conclusion
The recent developments have raised concerns over the future of the Kyiv-Washington alliance and the prospects of a lasting peace in Ukraine. Zelensky’s efforts to mend fences with Trump will be closely watched, as will the response of the EU and NATO to the US decision to halt military aid to Ukraine.
FAQs
Q: What did Zelensky say in his evening address?
A: Zelensky said he wanted to "make things right" with Trump and work under the US president’s "strong leadership" to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine.
Q: What did Trump say about the aid freeze?
A: Trump did not comment on the aid freeze, but his decision to halt assistance to Ukraine has been met with criticism from European capitals.
Q: What is the current state of the Kyiv-Washington alliance?
A: The alliance is facing a crisis, with the US halting military aid to Ukraine and the EU scrambling to bolster support for Kyiv.