‘Grateful for support received from US’: Zelenskyy after Oval Office showdown with Trump

As a result of these days, we see clear support from Europe. Even more unity, even more willingness to cooperate.

Everyone is united on the main issue – for peace to be real, we need real security guarantees. And this is the position of all of Europe – the entire continent. The… pic.twitter.com/inGxdO8jQz

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 3, 2025

“There has not been a day when we haven’t felt gratitude,” Zelenskyy emphasised, adding that Ukraine’s survival depends on its allies. “Our independence is preserved because of what our partners are doing for us – and for their own security.”

The Friday’s meeting, originally intended to strengthen US-Ukraine relations, quickly turned into a confrontation. Vance pushed for diplomatic talks with Russia which Zelenskyy outrightly rejected .

Trump then claimed that without American support, Ukraine would have already fallen, reportedly telling Zelenskyy, “You have to be thankful. You don’t have the cards. You gotta be more thankful.”

As tensions rose, the planned joint press conference was abruptly cancelled, and Zelenskyy left the White House earlier than scheduled. A key minerals deal between the US and Ukraine, meant to support Ukraine’s economy and security, was also left unsigned.

After the encounter, Zelenskyy attended a high-profile security summit in London with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canada’s Justin Trudeau, and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni. In his X post, he stressed upon the need for strong security guarantees, stating, “Everyone is united on the main issue – for peace to be real, we need real security guarantees.”

The summit in London was dedicated to Ukraine and our shared European future.

We feel strong support for Ukraine, for our people – both soldiers and civilians, and our independence. Together, we are working in Europe to establish a solid foundation for cooperation with the… pic.twitter.com/6CiBZ1HhOA

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 2, 2025

The fallout from the meeting made waves globally. Russia welcomed the apparent rift between Ukraine and its most powerful ally, while world leaders rallied behind Zelenskyy.

Meanwhile, a CNN fact-check noted that, despite Trump and Vance’s accusations, Zelenskyy has publicly expressed gratitude to the US at least 33 times since Russia’s invasion in 2022.