Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the American populace and leadership, underscoring the desire for enduring relations with the United States. This statement followed a turbulent encounter with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, which raised concerns about the stability of the alliance.
On Saturday, Zelenskyy took to social media platform X, conveying his appreciation for the unwavering support from the US, extending thanks specifically to Trump, Congress, and the American people. He remarked that the connection between the United States and Ukraine is more than a mere diplomatic relationship; it is rooted in a historic bond between their peoples, who have assisted one another during times of crisis. Zelenskyy articulated his hope for the continuation of strong ties between both nations.
Zelenskyy arrived in London to attend a summit hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside other European leaders. The summit is expected to include key figures from France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Norway, Poland, Spain, and more, highlighting the unified European stance in support of Ukraine amidst ongoing challenges with Russia.
The recent heated exchange between Trump and Zelenskyy raised alarms in Ukraine regarding the reliability of US support against Russia’s prolonged military aggression. Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson called the incident a “complete political and diplomatic failure” for Ukraine, reflecting Moscow’s intentions to continue its confrontational stance. Meanwhile, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier deemed Trump’s actions during the meeting as damaging, asserting that such behaviour undermines diplomatic efforts.
French President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in on the situation, stating emphatically that if anyone is truly gambling with global stability, it is Russian President Vladimir Putin, not Zelenskyy. Macron expressed optimism that the US remains committed to its historical role in defending democracy, echoing sentiments that the United States has typically stood for freedom in major conflicts.
As tensions continue, the broader European community appears keen on supporting Ukraine, while Zelenskyy remains hopeful for a future with steadfast diplomatic ties with the US, despite recent uncertainties. The outcome of the London summit may play a pivotal role in shaping the ongoing response to the crisis and reinforcing the commitment of international partners to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.