“America’s help has been vital in helping us survive,” Zelensky wrote on X, adding that he is “thankful to President Trump, Congress for their bipartisan support, and the American people” for military and economic aid. He called ongoing U.S. backing “crucial” and emphasized the need for a “just and lasting peace” rather than a mere ceasefire with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who he said has broken 25 truces over the past decade.
Minerals deal on hold
Zelensky reiterated his willingness to sign a long-discussed agreement on exploiting Ukraine’s mineral resources with the United States, calling it “the first step toward security guarantees.”
However, that deal failed to materialize Friday after Trump reportedly berated and dismissed Zelensky from the Oval Office, accusing him of lacking gratitude and respect for the U.S. The planned joint press conference was also canceled.
“Once these guarantees are in place, we can talk with Russia, Europe, and the U.S. about diplomacy,” Zelensky said, warning that “a ceasefire without security guarantees is dangerous for Ukraine.” He noted his country “has been fighting for three years” and needs to know “America is on our side” to ensure Putin will not simply “return tomorrow.”
Appeal for NATO, or equivalent
Zelensky acknowledged that Ukraine may not be admitted into NATO, but insisted an alternate framework for U.S.-led security assurances is essential. “We’re talking about just and lasting peace—freedom, justice, and human rights for everyone,” he wrote, stressing that Ukraine cannot stop resisting Russian forces without firm commitments from its allies.
“We cannot lose our will, our freedom, or our people,” Zelenskiy declared, highlighting the human toll of the war since Russian forces seized Crimea in 2014 and expanded hostilities in 2021.
He praised broader European support for Ukraine’s large armed forces but called for a clearer U.S. role in “defining security guarantees—what kind, what volume, and when.”
Despite Friday’s discord in Washington, Zelensky emphasized that “our relationship with the American President is more than just two leaders; it’s a historic and solid bond between our peoples.” He praised U.S. aid as having “helped save our people,” adding, “We want only strong relations with America, and I really hope we will have them.”
(jh)
Source: PAP