Zelenskyy Seeks U.S. Support as Europe Pushes for Ukraine Peace Deal
Zelenskyy Seeks to Salvage U.S. Relations as Europe Pushes for Ukraine Peace Plan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed his country's commitment to a rare earth minerals deal with the United States, despite recent tensions with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking after a European leaders' summit in Britain, Zelenskyy expressed hope that the U.S. would soon be ready to sign the agreement, acknowledging that Washington might "need time to analyze some things."
U.S.-Ukraine Relations on Shaky Ground
The minerals agreement was expected to be finalised last week during Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House. However, discussions soured after contentious exchanges with Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Trump, who has been vocal about ending U.S. military aid to Ukraine, criticised Zelenskyy for being ungrateful for American support.
Zelenskyy, however, emphasised that halting U.S. assistance would only serve to benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I think stopping such assistance will only help Putin," he said, adding that the international community must remain united against Russian aggression.
Trump, meanwhile, has been pushing for a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine. His administration has engaged in backchannel talks with Russian officials, reportedly discussing a potential deal without Ukrainian involvement.
European Leaders Step Up Amid U.S. Uncertainty
At the London summit, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer underscored the urgency for Europe to take the lead in securing Ukraine’s future. With U.S. support in question, Starmer declared that "Europe must do the heavy lifting" to ensure peace. He also announced a $2.84 billion loan package for Ukraine’s defense, funded by profits from immobilized Russian sovereign assets.
Starmer's remarks echoed broader concerns among European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who warned that the continent must "urgently rearm" and "prepare for the worst." Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reinforced the need for transatlantic unity, stating that the West must show Putin that "capitulation is not an option."
Trump Administration Pushes for Peace Talks
Despite European pledges of support, Trump's administration continues to prioritize negotiations over military aid. National Security Adviser Michael Waltz questioned Zelenskyy’s willingness to negotiate, stating, "What was not clear to us was whether he shared our goal of ending this war."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stressed the importance of diplomacy. "We are trying to end a war," Rubio said, adding that without negotiations, there is "0% likelihood" of peace. He emphasised that both Ukraine and Russia would need to make concessions for a settlement to be reached.
A Ceasefire Plan in the Works?
As uncertainty looms over U.S. involvement, European nations are exploring their own solutions. Britain, France, and Ukraine are reportedly drafting a ceasefire proposal to present to the U.S. Several European countries have expressed willingness to deploy peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, but they require U.S. military backing to counter any potential Russian violations.
Trump, however, has dismissed such commitments, stating that he trusts Putin to uphold any agreement reached. In contrast, Starmer expressed skepticism about Putin’s intentions but voiced confidence in Trump’s desire for lasting peace.
“If there is to be a deal, if there is to be a stopping of the fighting, then that agreement has to be defended,” Starmer cautioned. “The worst outcome would be a temporary pause followed by another Russian invasion.”
Looking Ahead
While tensions persist between Zelenskyy and Trump, the Ukrainian leader remains hopeful about maintaining strong ties with the U.S. However, with Washington's stance shifting and Europe preparing for an uncertain future, Ukraine's path forward remains complex.
As negotiations continue behind closed doors, the question remains: Can Ukraine secure a fair and lasting peace, or will shifting geopolitical alliances reshape the course of the war