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1st March 2025
03:58pm GMT
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Donald Trump to “stand more firmly on our side” as he touched down in the UK after the pair’s explosive White House clash.
“I want the US to stand more firmly on our side,” he wrote. “This is not just a war between our two countries; Russia brought this war on to our territory and into our homes. They are wrong because they disrespected our territorial integrity.”
The Ukrainian president said Mr Trump wants the war to end “but no one wants peace more than we do” as he prepares to meet Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street.
"We are very grateful to the United States for all the support," Zelenskyy wrote on X. "I’m thankful to President Trump, Congress for their bipartisan support, and American people. Ukrainians have always appreciated this support, especially during these three years of full-scale invasion.
We are very grateful to the United States for all the support. I’m thankful to President Trump, Congress for their bipartisan support, and American people. Ukrainians have always appreciated this support, especially during these three years of full-scale invasion. pic.twitter.com/Z9FlWjF101
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 1, 2025
"America’s help has been vital in helping us survive, and I want to acknowledge that. Despite the tough dialogue, we remain strategic partners. But we need to be honest and direct with each other to truly understand our shared goals."
He continued: "It’s crucial for us to have President Trump’s support. He wants to end the war, but no one wants peace more than we do. We are the ones living this war in Ukraine. It’s a fight for our freedom, for our very survival."
During the Friday meeting, Trump bluntly accused Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War Three”, while the Ukrainian president said there should be “no compromises” with Russia.
The affair ended with Zelenskyy being kicked out of the White House, with Trump later posting on social media that Zelensky should return to Washington when he is “ready for peace”.
It kicked OFF in the Oval Office with Zelenskyy and Trump 🚨 pic.twitter.com/f1DY4yQQeG
— PoliticsJOE (@PoliticsJOE_UK) February 28, 2025
Zelenskyy added in his statement: "I want the U.S. to stand more firmly on our side. This is not just a war between our two countries; Russia brought this war onto our territory and into our homes. They are wrong because they disrespected our territorial integrity.
"All Ukrainians want to hear a strong U.S. position on our side. It’s understandable the U.S. might look for dialogue with Putin. But the U.S. has always spoken about ‘peace through strength.’ And together we can take strong steps against Putin."
He continued: "Our relationship with the American President is more than just two leaders; it’s a historic and solid bond between our peoples. That’s why I always begin with words of gratitude from our nation to the American nation.
"American people helped save our people. Humans and human rights come first. We’re truly thankful. We want only strong relations with America, and I really hope we will have them."
European leaders have flocked to Mr Zelensky’s defence, with Sir Keir expressing his “unwavering support” for Ukraine after speaking to both leaders.
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