In video message, Zelenskyy thanks US after Trump's 'not grateful' charge

Days after a heated confrontation with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sought to reaffirm his appreciation for America's continued support in Ukraine's war against Russia. In a video message posted on X, Zelenskyy emphasised the importance of US assistance, saying, "There has not been a day when we haven't felt gratitude. Our resilience in Ukraine is based on what our partners are doing for us-and for their own security."

His remarks followed a tense meeting with Trump and Vice President JD Vance, where the two American leaders berated him for allegedly not showing enough appreciation for US aid.

The exchange quickly escalated when Vance pushed for diplomatic talks with Russia to resolve the war, a suggestion Zelenskyy dismissed. Trump then chastised the Ukrainian leader, insisting that without American assistance, Ukraine would have already fallen to Russian forces.

The meeting ended in chaos, with Zelenskyy leaving in his motorcade earlier than expected, skipping a planned joint press conference. Additionally, a crucial minerals deal between the US and Ukraine-intended to bolster Ukraine's economy and security-was left unsigned.
His comments came after attending a high-profile security summit in London, where world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France's Emmanuel Macron, Canada's Justin Trudeau, and Italy's Giorgia Meloni, discussed strategies to support Ukraine.

"Everyone is united on the main issue-for peace to be real, we need real security guarantees," Zelenskyy said, emphasising that European nations, along with the UK and Turkey, shared Ukraine's stance.