Zelensky Emphasizes Gratitude for U.S. Support Amid Trump’s Criticism

London/Washington : Days after a contentious exchange with former U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky released a video message reaffirming his country's deep appreciation for American support in its ongoing war against Russia.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Zelensky acknowledged the crucial role of international allies, particularly the United States, in preserving Ukraine’s independence.

"Gratitude is Always There"

“There has not been a single day when we have not felt gratitude,” Zelensky said in his video message. “Ukraine’s resilience is built on the unwavering support of our partners, including the United States, who help not only us but also their own security in the process.”

The statement followed a heated Oval Office meeting last Friday, where Trump and JD Vance reportedly rebuked Zelensky for what they perceived as a lack of appreciation for U.S. assistance. The former president accused Ukraine of not showing enough gratitude for the billions in military aid it has received since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.

Zelensky’s remarks came after he attended a high-level security summit in London, where world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted the meeting, which included key figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Push for Security Guarantees Over "Endless War"

Addressing the global summit, Zelensky underscored that peace must come with concrete security guarantees, ensuring Ukraine’s long-term stability.

“Everyone is united on the main issue – for peace to be real, we need real security guarantees. This is the position of all of Europe, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Turkey,” he said.

He also rejected the idea of a compromise settlement with Russia that lacked firm security assurances, adding: “What we need is peace, not endless war.”

Clash in Washington: The Trump-Zelensky Spat

The diplomatic friction between Zelensky and Trump played out in front of the international media during their first face-to-face meeting since Trump returned to office in January.

The discussion started with diplomatic pleasantries but quickly escalated when Vice President JD Vance pressed the need for diplomacy with Russia, hinting that Ukraine had not been sufficiently "thankful" for American aid.

Trump, known for his America First stance, took an even tougher position, reportedly telling Zelensky that Ukraine would have been conquered without U.S. assistance. Sources said the Ukrainian leader strongly refuted the claim, leading to a tense exchange before he was asked to leave the meeting.

Following the clash, Zelensky departed the White House without holding a planned joint press conference. A proposed minerals deal between Ukraine and the United States, which was expected to help bolster Ukraine’s war efforts, also remained unsigned.

Global Support Amid Rising Tensions

Despite tensions in Washington, Zelensky’s message of gratitude to U.S. allies aimed to reassure both the American public and the broader international community that Ukraine remains committed to strong partnerships.

With no immediate resolution in sight, the rift between Washington and Kyiv could reshape future U.S.-Ukraine relations, particularly regarding continued military and financial aid.

As Ukraine nears the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Zelensky remains firm in his calls for stronger security guarantees, while the Biden administration and European allies continue to back Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Analysis: What This Means for Ukraine and U.S. Policy

• Zelensky’s message seeks to counter Trump’s narrative that Ukraine is ungrateful for U.S. aid.
• The Trump-Zelensky tensions could influence American foreign policy, especially in upcoming Congress debates on military assistance.
• Global leaders remain committed to Ukraine, as shown by their presence at the London security summit.

As the war enters another year, Ukraine’s ability to secure lasting peace may depend not only on the battlefield but also on its diplomatic engagement with key allies.