Zelenskyy Expresses Regret Over White House Meeting, Signals Readiness for Trump-Led Peace Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly expressed regret over the outcome of his recent meeting at the White House, signaling a significant shift in tone and a willingness to pursue peace negotiations under the leadership of former President Donald Trump. In a lengthy statement posted on social media, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to engage in dialogue and expressed hope for a more constructive relationship with the United States going forward.
Zelenskyy’s statement follows a period of apparent tension between the Ukrainian leader and the Trump administration, marked by what some observers have described as a "clash" during their meeting in Washington. The details of the disagreement remain somewhat unclear, but it appears to have centered on differences in approach to the ongoing conflict with Russia and the best path towards a peaceful resolution.
"Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, did not go the way it was supposed to be," Zelenskyy wrote. "It is regrettable that it happened this way. It is time to make things right."
The statement represents a notable departure from Zelenskyy’s previous public posture, which has often emphasized the need for continued military support from the West and a firm stance against Russian aggression. By expressing regret and explicitly endorsing Trump’s leadership in peace negotiations, Zelenskyy appears to be attempting to reset the relationship and create an opening for renewed engagement.
"My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts," Zelenskyy declared. "We are ready to work fast to end the war, and the first stages could be the release of prisoners and truce in the sky — ban on missiles, long-ranged drones, bombs on energy and other civilian infrastructure — and truce in the sea immediately, if Russia will do the same."
Zelenskyy’s proposed initial steps towards de-escalation mirror suggestions made by European leaders during a recent meeting with the Ukrainian president. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly proposed a 30-day freeze on strikes from the air, sea, and on energy infrastructure within Ukraine, with the aim of creating a window for broader peace negotiations.
Zelenskyy further outlined his vision for a rapid progression through subsequent stages of negotiation, emphasizing the desire to collaborate closely with the United States in reaching a comprehensive and durable final agreement.
"Then we want to move very fast through all next stages and to work with the US to agree a strong final deal," he added.
Despite the recent tensions, Zelenskyy also took the opportunity to express gratitude for the support Ukraine has received from the United States, particularly during Trump’s presidency. He specifically highlighted the provision of Javelin anti-tank missiles as a pivotal moment in bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
"We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence. And we remember the moment when things changed when President Trump provided Ukraine with Javelins. We are grateful for this," the statement continued.
The timing of Zelenskyy’s statement is particularly noteworthy, as it comes on the heels of a decision by the Trump administration to pause all aid to Ukraine. A senior administration official told Fox News that military aid would remain on hold until Ukrainian leaders demonstrate a commitment to good faith peace negotiations.
"This is not permanent termination of aid, it’s a pause," the official emphasized. "The orders are going out right now."
White House national security advisor Mike Waltz characterized Zelenskyy’s earlier clash with Trump as "ridiculous" and emphasized the importance of Zelenskyy expressing regret and a willingness to engage in peace talks.
"Trumps White House needed to hear that Zelenskyy ‘has regret for what happened’ and that he is now ‘ready to engage in peace talks,’" Waltz said.
Zelenskyy also addressed the prospect of a minerals and security agreement between Ukraine and the United States, expressing Ukraine’s readiness to sign such an agreement "at any time and in any convenient format." He views the agreement as a crucial step towards enhancing Ukraine’s security and providing solid security guarantees.
"Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time and in any convenient format. We see this agreement as a step toward greater security and solid security guarantees, and I truly hope it will work effectively," Zelenskyy concluded.
The shift in tone from Zelenskyy and the Trump administration’s apparent willingness to consider resuming aid contingent on progress towards peace negotiations suggest a potential turning point in the conflict. However, the path towards a lasting resolution remains fraught with challenges, and the ultimate success of any peace process will depend on the willingness of all parties, including Russia, to engage in good faith dialogue and compromise.
The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining whether Zelenskyy’s overture to Trump will lead to a meaningful breakthrough in the search for peace in Ukraine. The world will be watching closely to see if this new approach can pave the way for a de-escalation of the conflict and a more secure future for Ukraine.
