Ukrainian President's Statement on Meeting with Donald Trump

On March 4, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed regret over a recent clash with U.S. President Donald Trump and emphasized readiness to collaborate for peace.

Meeting Details

• Location: Washington, D.C., White House
• Date: February 28, 2025
• Incident: Tempers flared during discussions between Zelenskyy and Trump.

Key Points from Zelenskyy's Statement

• Described the meeting outcome as "regrettable" and stressed the need to "make things right".
• Called for future cooperation and communication with the U.S. to be constructive.
• Expressed willingness to sign a deal on Ukraine's rare-earth minerals, underlining its significance for security.

Clash with U.S. Leadership

• Trump insisted Ukraine should compromise with Russia, calling the Russian leader a "killer".
• Trump criticized Zelenskyy for being ungrateful and insisted on striking a deal with Russia.
• Vice-President J.D. Vance also criticized Zelenskyy as "disrespectful".

Outcome of the Meeting

• Verbal confrontation led to the cancellation of a planned news conference and ceremony for a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal.
• Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to sign the minerals agreement at any convenient time.