Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed gratitude towards the American populace and its leadership, emphasizing his hopes for “strong relations.” This gesture comes after a surprising and tense encounter in the Oval Office with U.S. President Donald Trump that left many questioning the future dynamics between the two historically close allies.
Zelenskyy arrived in London on Saturday, ahead of a critical summit hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This meeting on Sunday aims to draw together European leaders, including those from France, Germany, and several other nations, as well as NATO and European Union officials, to discuss collective efforts regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The discord that erupted during the White House meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy appears to have cast doubt on Ukraine’s aspirations for solid U.S. backing in countering and eventually resolving the prolonged Russian aggression. The dispute seemed to hinder any immediate assurances of U.S. support.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock remarked on Saturday about the troubling aftermath of Trump’s interaction with Zelenskyy, describing it as a “new era of nefariousness.” She reiterated Germany’s heightened commitment to supporting Ukraine, despite the unsettling events in Washington.
In another development, Russian drone attacks on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv resulted in injuries to 12 civilians, including children, as reported by Ukrainian authorities. The nighttime assault saw drones impact a medical facility and residential structures, though many were intercepted by Ukraine’s defenses.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has claimed that the fallout from the Oval Office meeting symbolizes a “political and diplomatic failure” for Kyiv while maintaining its unyielded stance on its military objectives in Ukraine. Moscow’s expectations include a demilitarized Ukraine and the annexation of controlled territories.
Criticism also came from Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who harshly condemned Trump’s actions with Zelenskyy, stating that it was an unexpected scenario requiring protection of Ukraine from U.S. actions.
French President Emmanuel Macron weighed in, countering Trump’s assertion that Zelenskyy is “gambling with World War III,” by suggesting that the actual risk comes from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Macron expressed hope that the U.S. would maintain its historical role in supporting democratic principles.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov regarding the Ukraine conflict. Turkey has previously positioned itself as a potential mediator in peace discussions.
Zelenskyy, reflecting on the recent contentious meeting, thanked the American public and leaders while reaffirming Ukraine’s desire for a robust partnership with the United States. The planned signing of a mineral deal was expected to advance towards a ceasefire, but progress was stalled.
Finally, British Prime Minister Starmer was set to meet Zelenskyy in advance of the originally planned schedule, following the diplomatic tensions in Washington. The meeting intends to reinforce alliances and seek strategies for peace in Europe.
