Zelensky calls spat with Trump ‘regrettable,’ ready for peace talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described his recent public spat with US President Donald Trump as “regrettable” and reaffirmed Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate a peace deal “as soon as possible.”
In a lengthy post on X, Zelensky acknowledged that the Oval Office meeting, where he clashed with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, did not go as planned. He stressed the need to “make things right” and work towards lasting peace.
His remarks follow the Trump administration’s decision to pause all aid to Ukraine until it assesses whether Zelensky is committed to ending the war. “None of us wants an endless war,” Zelensky wrote. “Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer.”
Zelensky outlined initial steps for de-escalation, proposing a prisoner exchange and a ceasefire in the air and at sea—provided Russia reciprocates. He also reaffirmed Ukraine’s gratitude for past US military support, including Javelin missiles provided under Trump’s leadership.
Reflecting on the tense White House exchange, Zelensky admitted, “Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, did not go the way it was supposed to. It is regrettable that it happened this way. It is time to make things right.”
He concluded by expressing readiness to sign a long-discussed agreement with the US on Ukraine’s rare earth mineral reserves, calling it a step toward stronger security guarantees.
