Zelenskyy posts 'gratitude' video message after Trump's 'not thankful' accusation
What's the story
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has released a video message thanking the United States for its support in the ongoing war with Russia. This comes merely days after a tense meeting with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the White House, where they criticized Zelenskyy for not being "thankful" enough and disagreed with his stance on proposed truce terms.
Presidential address
Zelensky emphasizes gratitude and security in video message
In his video message, Zelenskyy stressed Ukraine's gratitude for American aid. "There has not been a day when we haven't felt gratitude," he said. He stressed how important this support has been in maintaining Ukraine's independence and resilience. "Our resilience in Ukraine is based on what our partners are doing for us—and for their own security," Zelenskyy said after attending a summit on the Russia-Ukraine war in London.
Twitter Post
Zelenskyy's video on X
As a result of these days, we see clear support from Europe. Even more unity, even more willingness to cooperate.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 3, 2025
Everyone is united on the main issue – for peace to be real, we need real security guarantees. And this is the position of all of Europe – the entire continent. The… pic.twitter.com/inGxdO8jQz
Security summit
Zelenskyy attends security summit, stresses need for peace
The summit, which was hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, focused on the Russia-Ukraine war. It was attended by leaders including France's Emmanuel Macron, Canada's Justin Trudeau, and Italy's Giorgia Meloni. At the event, Zelenskyy noted strong European support for Ukraine and stressed that "everyone is united on the main issue—for peace to be real, we need real security guarantees."
Diplomatic disagreement
Tensions rise during Oval Office meeting
The Oval Office meeting between Trump and Zelensky started on a friendly note but soon turned into a fiery confrontation. While Vance pushed for diplomacy to end the war, Trump maintained that US help was key to Ukraine not being conquered by Russia. The meeting concluded abruptly without a scheduled joint press conference or signing a minerals deal to help end the war. He departed the White House after being asked to leave following the argument with Trump and Vance.