Zelensky Regrets Clash with Trump, Expresses Readiness for Negotiations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed regret over his recent confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that his administration is prepared to work under Trump’s leadership to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia.

The meeting between the two leaders, their first since Trump returned to the White House, ended in a heated exchange. Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Zelensky of not showing enough gratitude for American military support, while Zelensky countered that the complexities of the war extended beyond Washington’s perspective. The encounter took a dramatic turn when Zelensky was abruptly ordered to leave the White House, and his scheduled press conference was canceled. Shortly after, reports emerged that Trump had paused military aid to Ukraine.

In a statement on social media Tuesday, Zelensky acknowledged that the meeting had not gone as intended. “It is regrettable that it happened this way. It is time to make things right. We would like future cooperation and communication to be constructive,” he wrote. He reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to working swiftly toward ending the war, outlining initial steps such as prisoner exchanges and an immediate ceasefire in targeted areas, including a halt to missile and drone strikes on civilian infrastructure and a truce at sea—provided Russia reciprocates.

Zelensky emphasized his desire for rapid progress toward a final peace agreement, with U.S. collaboration playing a crucial role. “We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence,” he stated. He also reaffirmed Ukraine’s willingness to finalize a minerals deal with the U.S. as part of broader security guarantees.