Cracking With Trump, Zelenskyy Immediately Approaches Europe

LONDON, SATURDAY – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy flew to London, England, to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European leaders on Saturday (1/3/2025). The visit followed a verbal clash with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House the day before. Ukraine is now aligning with Europe to gain support and unite in facing Russia regarding peace negotiation issues.

A day after the tension with Trump and Vice President Vance, Zelenskyy still expressed gratitude for the support of the American people and hope for a strong relationship between Ukraine and the U.S. He also specifically extended his thanks to President Trump, the U.S. Congress, and the American people.

Zelenskyy will discuss lasting peace to end the war and also ensure security throughout the European continent.

As previously reported, Zelenskyy arrived to negotiate peace with Russia at the White House while also discussing an agreement on rare earth metal exploitation for the U.S. However, the meeting ended in chaos, and the agreement on rare earth metal mining was canceled on Friday (28/2/2025).

"Our relationship with the President of the United States is more than just a relationship between two leaders; it is a strong historical bond between our nations. The American people helped save Ukraine. We only expect close relations with the United States, and we will achieve that," said Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy arrived at Stansted Airport, London, on Saturday morning and is scheduled to meet the UK Prime Minister tomorrow, Sunday (2/3/2025). Zelenskyy will also meet with several European leaders for a peace agenda.

Zelenskyy will discuss lasting peace to end the war and also ensure security throughout the European continent.

The plan for the Ukraine–UK bilateral meeting was drawn up at the last minute following the developments that occurred in the Zelenskyy–Trump meeting.

The difference in views between Ukraine and the US emerged as Zelenskyy requested security guarantees from the US. On the other hand, Trump instead fostered closeness with Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed readiness to engage in dialogue to end the war in Ukraine.

Many Ukrainians support Zelenskyy's stance. They doubt US support for Ukraine.

"Americans do not know the real situation here. They only know their lives are beautiful," said Ella Kazantseva (54), a resident of eastern Ukraine.

“Trump and Putin are dividing the world. I don’t know what will happen in the future,” said Kyiv resident Luidmyla Stetsevych (47).

He and other Ukrainians interviewed by Reuters hope European allies will step up political and military support for Ukraine if the United States eases its support for them.

“We are grateful for US assistance so far. "However, we must protect Ukraine's dignity and honor," said Alina Zhaivoronko, who was visiting a monument commemorating Ukrainian war victims in the center of Kyiv City.

"Americans do not know the real situation here. They only know their lives are beautiful," said Ella Kazantseva (54), a resident of eastern Ukraine.

Ukrainian lawmaker Andrii Osadchnuk said he was not surprised by the way Trump and Vance dealt with the Ukrainian president. Trump's attitude shows Western European allies need to be more forceful in supporting Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials and Zelenskyy are now trying to build support for long-term European security, a move that is aimed at deterring potential Russian threats to central Europe. “This is not just about Ukraine. Europe has to act because it is in their interests too,” Osadchnuk told Reuters.

The European leaders attending will not only discuss peace but also negotiate defense spending.

Ukrainian media, Pravda Europe (Warta Eropa) reported, Saturday, that the verbal exchange between Zelenskyy and US leaders could indeed damage bilateral relations, but on the other hand shows that Ukraine maintains its dignity and sovereignty.

“Regardless of how history will record the event, including the figure of Donald Trump, we show that this issue is very important for the Ukrainian nation,” the column in the daily said.

On the other hand, Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Saturday, told the Russian News Agency RIA Novosti, Russia is ready to negotiate with Ukraine. However, he emphasized that the negotiations must be based on field conditions (Russia's position is superior in controlling the territory). Russia currently occupies almost 20 percent of Ukraine's territory, especially in the eastern part where the majority of the population is ethnic Russian.

“We will negotiate with those who are ready for dialogue in Ukraine,” Medvedev said.

Russian troops in eastern Ukraine now control new areas, namely Skudne and Burlatske.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin received North Korean Politburo Member Hi Yong in Moscow on Saturday. The meeting discussed strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

According to the US and South Korea, North Korea has deployed more than 10,000 troops to help Russia in its war against Ukraine. Russia and North Korea signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement in June 2024 when Putin visited North Korea. The agreement covers military and defense assistance.

(AP/Reuters/AFP)