Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the White House amid escalating tensions concerning Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia. During his meeting with US President Donald Trump, a deal was expected to be signed granting the US access to Ukraine's rare earth mineral deposits. However, the meeting ended without an agreement due to a disagreement between the two leaders. The discord has sparked a wave of reactions from international political figures, and Zelensky has called for stronger support from the US in Ukraine's struggle against Russian advances.
US Vice-President JD Vance accused Zelensky of being ungrateful and disrespectful during the meeting. In response, Zelensky emphasized the need for the US to "stand more firmly on our side" in the conflict with Russia, where Russian forces have been making incremental gains on the battlefield for several months. The Ukrainian leader's plea underscores the urgency of securing international support as the war continues.
European leaders have rallied behind Ukraine following the White House meeting. Germany's outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz and France's President Emmanuel Macron have expressed their unwavering support for Ukraine. Macron stated:
"There is an aggressor: Russia. There is a victim: Ukraine. We were right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago – and to keep doing so."
Emmanuel Macron
Scholz echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that "no-one wants peace more than the citizens of Ukraine." Meanwhile, Friedrich Merz stressed the importance of distinguishing between the aggressor and the victim in this conflict.
NATO's Secretary General has urged Zelensky to find a way to mend his relationship with Trump, highlighting the importance of diplomatic ties in resolving the ongoing crisis. Zelensky has been vocal in calling for US security guarantees as part of any "just and lasting" peace deal with Russia. Despite these appeals, Trump has thus far refused to provide such guarantees.
The US has taken a significant step by approving the sale of Javelin anti-tank missile systems to Ukraine, enabling Ukrainian forces to "fight back" against Russian military advances. This move represents a key element of US military support, though it falls short of the security guarantees sought by Zelensky.
The war in Ukraine, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022, remains a pressing international concern. Amidst these challenges, Zelensky met with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, expressing gratitude for the UK's support towards Ukraine. A substantial £2.26bn ($2.8bn) loan has been agreed upon by the UK to aid Kyiv in its defense efforts.
Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, acknowledged Trump's contributions to Ukraine thus far, stating:
"we have to respect" what Trump has done for Ukraine so far
Mark Rutte
Rutte also emphasized the value of strategic partnerships, noting:
"we are happy to have such strategic partners and to share the same vision of what a secure future should look like for all."
Mark Rutte
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