President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine is prepared to find a “diplomatic way” to end Russia’s war, as US President, Donald Trump held a meeting with him in the Oval Office.
He praised the Trump administration’s efforts to stop the war. However, he said that Ukraine has to live with daily Russian attacks, pointing to Russia’s deadly overnight strike on Kharkiv.
“We need to stop this war, to stop Russia. And we need support (from our) American and European partners.
“We supported the idea of the United States – of, personally, President Trump – to stop this war, to make a diplomatic way of finishing this war.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy added that he was prepared for a trilateral summit between himself, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump, in turn, said that there is a “reasonable chance” of the Russia-Ukraine war ending if a trilateral meeting with Zelenskyy and Putin occurs.
“The war is going to end when it ends. I can’t tell you, but the war is going to end, and this gentleman wants it to end, and Vladimir Putin wants it to end. I think the whole world is tired of it, and we’re going to get it ended.”
Donald Trump
Zelenskyy said that a just and lasting peace is necessary for Ukraine after Russia invaded more than three years ago. “We’re going to have a lasting peace,” Trump iterated.
Also, Zelenskyy stated that he was grateful for a new NATO program that allows member states to purchase weapons from the United States to be sent to Ukraine. “We’re thankful for Europe – they pay for this,” he said.
US President Donald Trump also praised the program, since it means the US is “not giving anything” to Ukraine directly, but selling its military equipment to Kyiv’s allies.
Zelenskyy said that US weapons were crucial for Ukraine’s defense. “Nobody in Europe has so many air defense (systems) like Patriots. We need it very much,” he said.
Trump Advocates For Peace Deal
Trump said that he likes “the concept” of a ceasefire but he downplayed his earlier call for one, advocating instead for a broader peace deal.
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office while meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, “I like the concept of a ceasefire for one reason: because you’d stop killing people immediately, as opposed to in two weeks, or one week, or whatever it takes.”
“We’re working on a peace deal while they’re fighting, they have to fight. I wish they could stop. I’d like them to stop, but strategically, that could be a disadvantage for one side or the other.
“I can also understand strategically, why, well, you know, one country or the other wouldn’t want it. You have a ceasefire, and they rebuild and rebuild and rebuild. And you know, maybe they don’t want that.”
Donald Trump
Trump did not rule out sending US troops into Ukraine to help maintain a potential peace deal.
He said that Europe would take the lead in securing the peace but that the US would be involved.
“They are first line of defense, because they’re there, Europe. But we’re going to help them out. Also, we’ll be involved.”
Donald Trump
Trump said if there were a peace deal, it would hold. “I think if we can get to peace, it’s going to work. I have no doubt about it,” he said.
A More Collegial Meeting
The atmosphere inside the Oval Office for the meeting was far more collegial than the explosive fracas that played out in February, the last time President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in the room with President Donald Trump.
Zelenskyy came with a letter for Trump from his wife, and praised US first lady Melania Trump’s message to Putin about children suffering during the war.
After Vice President JD Vance accused him of being ungrateful during the February meeting, Zelenskyy said the word “thanks” four times in the first 10 seconds of his short remarks.
“Thank you for invitation, and thank you very much for your efforts, personal efforts, to stop killings and stop this war. Thank you for using this opportunity, many thanks to your wife.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Additionally, Zelenskyy wore a suit — apparently a concession to Trump’s displeasure at the military uniform he wore during the last meeting. His choice of attire made for a light-hearted moment.
A separate meeting with seven European leaders is set to be held following Trump and Zelenskyy’s meeting, and Trump said that he would have a phone call with Putin after talking with Zelenskyy.
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