After a conference in London over the weekend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country felt the strong support of its European allies. He underlined that any deal aiming at reaching a long-term solution to the crisis that Russia started three years ago with its full-scale invasion must include Western security assurances.
Ukraine is concerned that Russia might disregard any peace agreement that lacks the assurance of support from its partners in the event of a breach. “For peace to be genuine, we require substantial security guarantees. This is the stance of all of Europe – the whole continent,” Zelenskyy stated in a social media update on Monday, just three days after President Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized him for being “disrespectful” and not expressing gratitude during a heated Oval Office meeting captured by cameras.
“We recognize the significance of America, and we appreciate all the assistance we’ve received from the United States,” Zelenskyy remarked on Monday. “There hasn’t been a single day without our gratitude. It’s gratitude for safeguarding our independence, our resilience in Ukraine relies on what our partners are doing for us, and for their security. What we seek is peace, not perpetual conflict. That’s why we assert that security guarantees are essential.” The summit of European leaders held on Sunday, organized by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, was planned before the tense meeting in Washington between Zelenskyy and Trump, but it gained additional significance following their exchange.
Mr. Trump’s stance regarding Ukraine’s wartime president has intensified the apprehensions of European leaders regarding the present American administration’s dedication to safeguarding not only Ukraine’s future independence but also the overall security of Europe, particularly as the continent confronts a more assertive Russia under the authoritarian regime of Vladimir Putin. “This is not a time for further discussion. It is time to take decisive action,” Starmer stated following the meeting with his European counterparts on Sunday. “We must rise to the occasion, lead, and come together around a new strategy for a fair and lasting peace.”
Following the summit on Sunday, Zelenskyy held a briefing in Ukrainian, expressing his belief that a peace agreement with Russia “is still very far away.” He emphasized that Ukraine’s ties with the United States would remain robust. “I believe our relationship (with the U.S.) will persist, as it transcends a mere occasional connection,” Zelenskyy stated, highlighting the support the U.S. has extended to Ukraine since the onset of Russia’s invasion. His remarks were reported by the Associated Press. Later on Monday, Mr. Trump shared a link to the AP article discussing Zelenskyy’s statements and criticized the Ukrainian president.