Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for the US to “stand more firmly on our side” following his heated White House meeting with US President Donald Trump. Upon arrival in the UK for a European leaders’ summit, Zelensky urged continued US support for Ukraine, despite the challenging dialogue between both nations.

During their meeting at the Oval Office, Zelensky, Trump, and US Vice-President JD Vance engaged in a contentious exchange, with Trump pressuring Zelensky to negotiate with Russia and Vance criticizing his stance. European leaders have since shown solidarity with Zelensky, though NATO’s Secretary-General has urged Zelensky to improve his relationship with Trump.

Upon landing in the UK, Zelensky launched a fourteen-post thread on X, reiterating his calls for US security guarantees to underpin a “just and lasting” peace deal with Russia. While acknowledging Trump’s desire for a ceasefire, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s stronger commitment to peace.

A planned White House agreement granting the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals was not signed due to the breakdown in discussions. Trump later stated that Zelensky “overplayed his hand” and suggested that for talks to resume, Zelensky needed to express a willingness to negotiate peace.

Zelensky is prepared to sign the minerals agreement as a prelude to US security guarantees, a position he’s held for days, but which Trump has refused to endorse. Zelensky argued that without security guarantees, a ceasefire would be hazardous for Ukraine and stressed the need for a strong US stance in support of Ukraine.

The discussion between Zelensky, Vance, and Trump – Watch in full:The remarkable exchange between Zelensky, Vance, and Trump

Russia has gradually advanced on the battlefield. In the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, officials reported that a “massive” overnight drone strike resulted in injuries to 12 people, including two children, shortly after Zelensky departed the White House. The attack affected a hospital among other civilian areas.

Tensions escalated when US Vice-President JD Vance emphasized the importance of diplomatic resolution to the conflict. Zelensky responded by questioning the nature of such diplomacy, referencing a 2019 ceasefire agreement, and Vance accused Zelensky of disrespect and media confrontation.