Zelenskiy Regrets Trump Clash, Seeks to Fix Ties as U.S. Halts Military Aid
According to Reuters, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed regret over last week’s heated meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, calling it “unfortunate” and saying it’s time to “make things right.” This comes after Trump froze military aid to Ukraine, a move that has shocked Kyiv and its allies.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskiy said he is ready to work with Trump to achieve lasting peace. He also offered to sign a deal giving the U.S. access to Ukraine’s minerals, something he had previously left unresolved after the Oval Office argument.
Zelenskiy emphasized Ukraine’s gratitude for past U.S. support but acknowledged the meeting did not go as planned.
Reuters reports that Zelenskiy proposed steps toward peace, including a prisoner exchange and a halt to air and sea attacks, if Russia agrees to the same.
However, Trump’s decision to cut military aid has raised concerns about Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russia’s ongoing aggression.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal told Reuters that while Ukraine’s military can hold its ground, losing U.S. support is a major blow.
He said Ukraine is working to increase its own weapons production, especially drones, but still relies heavily on U.S. air defense systems like Patriot missiles to protect its cities.
Trump’s shift in policy has stunned many, as defending Europe from Russia has been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy for decades. Democrats have criticized the move, with Senator Jeanne Shaheen calling it a “gift to Putin.”
Meanwhile, European leaders are scrambling to fill the gap. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Europe must step up to ensure Ukraine can hold the front line.
Reuters highlights that Ukraine has depended on U.S. and European aid to fight Russia, with about 40% of its military supplies coming from the U.S. While Ukraine is working to produce more of its own weapons, the sudden loss of U.S. support is a significant setback.
In Kyiv, many Ukrainians feel betrayed by Trump’s decision. Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee, said it feels like Trump is pushing Ukraine toward surrender.
However, some experts, like Michael Kofman of the Carnegie Endowment, note that Ukraine is less dependent on U.S. aid now than earlier in the war.
In short, Reuters explains that Zelenskiy is trying to repair ties with Trump, but the freeze on military aid has left Ukraine in a difficult position.
With Europe stepping up its support, the world is watching to see how this geopolitical shift will impact the ongoing war.
Credit: Reuters