Zelensky after scandalous meeting with Trump: a ceasefire with Russia will not guarantee security
A ceasefire without guarantees is not an option
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an exclusive interview with US television channel Fox News after a stormy meeting with US President Donald Trump, said that a ceasefire agreement with Russia alone would not stop Vladimir Putin from launching new attacks on Ukraine. “I can’t tell my people to stop fighting. Nothing will stop because everyone is afraid that Putin will come back tomorrow,” he said, stressing that Ukrainians want peace more than anyone else, but it must be real, based on strong security guarantees.
Scandalous meeting at the White House
The meeting between Zelensky, Trump and his advisers at the White House ended in conflict. U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance accused the Ukrainian leader of disrespect and ingratitude for billions in American support, while Trump said Zelensky had no strong arguments in peace talks. The Ukrainian president responded by recalling how Putin repeatedly broke agreements with Ukraine. These disagreements took place under the observation of a large group of journalists. After the meeting, Trump decided that Zelensky was not ready for peace and ordered him to leave the White House.
Trump: “A ceasefire is possible immediately”
After the meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters he was seeking a quick peace deal rather than a decade-long war. “A ceasefire can be reached immediately,” he said, adding that the meeting with Zelensky had been unsuccessful. Trump called the Ukrainian leader a man who “wants to fight, fight and go to war again” and called on him to step up his efforts for peace and start negotiations.
Zelensky: “Peace is not just the end of the war”
In response to Trump’s accusations, Zelensky stressed in an interview with Fox News that the U.S. desire to achieve peace is understandable, but it is necessary to take into account the expectations of the Ukrainian people. “Peace is not just the absence of war,” he said, quoting former US President Ronald Reagan. The Ukrainian leader stressed that Europe needs US guarantees that Western peacekeeping forces can operate in Ukraine after the war and stressed the need to ensure long-term security.
Agreement on resources – the path to cooperation
Zelensky also hinted at preparations to sign an agreement with the United States on the extraction of rare metals and energy resources, a topic that Trump has repeatedly raised. “This could be the first step towards security guarantees,” he said, stressing that such guarantees were an essential condition for any diplomatic contacts with Russia.
Is the relationship with Trump still being mended?
Commenting on the strained relationship with Trump, Zelensky said they could still be saved. “The Americans have contributed a lot to the rescue of Ukrainians, the historical ties between our nations are strong,” he said. Asked if he intends to apologize to Trump, the Ukrainian president replied diplomatically: “I respect the president and the people of the United States, but we have to be open. I don’t see that we have done anything wrong. Maybe we could discuss some details without journalists, but I respect democracy and freedom of the press. The most important thing is to understand Ukraine’s position, because we are close partners.”
