Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the United States to stand “more firmly” with Ukraine following a tense confrontation with former US President Donald Trump.
Describing the exchange as a “tough dialogue,” Zelensky said Ukraine remains committed to strengthening ties with Washington but emphasized the need for concrete security guarantees.
The meeting, which took place on Friday, quickly turned into a heated showdown, with Trump accusing Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three.” The former US president has been vocal about his skepticism regarding continued American military aid to Ukraine, a stance that has sparked concern in Kyiv as the war against Russia drags on.
In the tense discussions, Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine is prepared to sign a US-proposed minerals deal. The agreement would grant American companies greater access to Ukraine’s vast mineral resources, including lithium and rare earth metals, which are critical for global technology and defense industries. However, Zelensky made it clear that Ukraine would not finalize the deal without firm security assurances from Washington.
In the wake of the confrontation, Ukraine’s leader is now shifting his focus to Europe. Zelensky is set to meet British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street today, with discussions expected to center on military and economic support. The meeting comes ahead of a high-stakes summit with European leaders on Sunday, a gathering that has taken on added significance following his tense exchange with Trump.
Political analysts note that Sunday’s summit was already seen as critical, but the recent friction between Ukraine and the US has heightened its importance. “This meeting was meant to reaffirm Western unity, but now, it may serve as a platform for Zelensky to rally European leaders amid uncertainty over continued American support,” wrote the BBC’s Chris Mason.
While US assistance remains vital to Ukraine’s war effort, the latest developments highlight growing divisions over future aid. As Kyiv navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, Zelensky’s message remains clear: Ukraine needs firm commitments, not just rhetoric, from its most powerful ally.
