Zelensky Apologizes for White House Tension, Reaffirms Ukraine’s Readiness for Peace Talks
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday expressed regret over an unusually tense meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House last week. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to peace talks and emphasized his government’s willingness to work under Trump’s leadership to end the war with Russia.
“Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, did not go the way it was supposed to be,” Zelensky wrote. “It is regrettable that it happened this way. It is time to make things right. We would like future cooperation and communication to be constructive.”
The statement follows reports that Zelensky left the White House earlier than scheduled after a heated discussion with Trump regarding a negotiated settlement with Russia. The specifics of the dispute remain unclear, but sources suggest disagreements over the pace and conditions of a peace deal.
Zelensky’s post signals a shift in Kyiv’s approach toward negotiations, with the Ukrainian leader stating that Ukraine is “ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer.” He emphasized that “nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians” and outlined initial steps that could pave the way for a broader agreement.
Among these steps, Zelensky proposed an immediate exchange of prisoners, a ceasefire on missile and drone strikes, and a halt to attacks on critical infrastructure. “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,” he stated.
A Nod to Trump’s Past Support
Zelensky also praised Trump’s past military support for Ukraine, particularly referencing the provision of Javelin anti-tank missiles. “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,” he said.
This acknowledgment appears to be an attempt to rebuild rapport after Friday’s diplomatic misstep, which has fueled speculation about potential rifts between Kyiv and Washington.
While Ukraine has publicly committed to negotiations, Russia has yet to formally respond to Zelensky’s latest remarks. Moscow has previously insisted on territorial concessions as a precondition for talks—something Kyiv has consistently rejected. It remains uncertain whether Russia will accept the proposed ceasefire measures or if it will demand further guarantees before engaging in new negotiations.
The Minerals and Security Agreement
Zelensky also referenced an agreement on minerals and security, stating that Ukraine is ready to sign it “at any time and in any convenient format.” He described the deal as a step toward “greater security and solid security guarantees,” expressing hope that it would be effective. However, no details about the specific terms of the agreement were provided.
Zelensky’s conciliatory tone suggests an effort to maintain strong ties with Washington amid shifting U.S. foreign policy priorities. With Trump’s administration emphasizing diplomacy over military escalation, Ukraine appears to be adjusting its strategy to align with the White House’s evolving stance on the war.
Whether this shift will lead to a breakthrough in peace negotiations remains uncertain, but it underscores Ukraine’s recognition of the need to secure continued U.S. support while navigating a changing geopolitical landscape.