Zelenskyy expresses gratitude to US while maintaining firm stance on security guarantees

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized his nation’s deep gratitude toward the United States while firmly maintaining that Ukraine needs robust security guarantees in any peace arrangement with Russia, following a tense meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday.

“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,” Zelenskyy said in his statement. “Ukrainians have always appreciated this support, especially during these three years of full-scale invasion.”

Throughout his remarks on X, Zelenskyy repeatedly acknowledged American assistance as “vital in helping us survive,” while carefully articulating Ukraine’s security requirements.

“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,” he emphasized.

EU leaders rally against Trump as Zelenskyy emphasizes gratitude to US

While Zelenskyy maintained a remarkably measured tone focused on gratitude and partnership in his post-meeting remarks, European leaders have taken up a far more confrontational stance in his defense.

Rather than responding directly to Trump’s accusations of “gambling with world war three,” the Ukrainian president repeatedly emphasized his appreciation for American assistance, calling it “vital in helping us survive” and reaffirming that Ukraine wants “only strong relations with America.”

This diplomatic restraint from Zelenskyy stands in stark contrast to the unprecedented rebuke from European officials, with EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas declaring “the free world needs a new leader” and numerous European heads of state rushing to publicly pledge their unwavering support.

The strategic decision by Zelenskyy to highlight cooperation rather than conflict with Washington comes as European capitals appear to be preparing for a significant shift in their role supporting Ukraine should American commitment waver.

Security concerns central to peace in Ukraine

Despite the gratitude, Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine’s security needs remain non-negotiable in any potential peace deal.

“A ceasefire without security guarantees is dangerous for Ukraine,” he stated. “We’ve been fighting for 3 years, and Ukrainian people need to know that America is on our side.”

The Ukrainian president referred to former U.S. President Reagan’s wisdom that “Peace is not just the absence of war,” explaining that Ukraine seeks a “just and lasting peace” that ensures “freedom, justice, and human rights for everyone.”

He expressed skepticism about trusting Russia without firm guarantees, noting, “A ceasefire won’t work with Putin. He has broken ceasefires 25 times over the last ten years. A real peace is the only solution.”

Path forward starts with security guarantees

Zelenskyy indicated willingness to proceed with a minerals agreement as “the first step toward security guarantees,” though he stressed this alone would be insufficient.

“All Ukrainians want to hear a strong U.S. position on our side,” he said. “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.”

The Ukrainian leader concluded his remarks by reaffirming the depth of Ukraine’s appreciation: “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.”

The statements came after a meeting that reportedly ended abruptly when tensions escalated between Trump and Zelenskyy, with Trump later posting on Truth Social that Zelenskyy could “come back when he is ready for Peace.”