Trump and Zelensky meeting signals shift in U.S.-Ukraine ties
On Friday in Washington, after 4 PM Greenwich Time, a meeting commenced between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky. Initial reports are available regarding what Trump stated at the start of the meeting.
"I think it’s going to be great for Ukraine – we’re going to be at the site, and we’ll be digging. We’ll be dig, dig, digging," said Trump at the start of the meeting in the Oval Office, as reported by the Euronews.
Zelensky arrived in Washington to sign a partnership agreement on resource extraction in Ukraine. A press conference with both leaders was announced for 6 PM Greenwich Time.
During the greeting in the Oval Office, Zelensky expressed his hope that the signing of the resource agreement would be the first step towards true security guarantees. He also mentioned, however, that he would address the topic of stabilisation forces in Ukraine, as discussed by France and the United Kingdom, emphasising that U.S. involvement is also necessary.
Zelensky said that we know that Europe is ready, but without the United States, it will not be as strong as we need it to be. He also spoke about the need for additional air defence systems.
Speaking in the Oval Office, the Ukrainian president expressed his reliance on a firm stance to counter Putin, emphasizing the need to end the war. He stressed the importance of directly addressing Putin, calling him a killer and a terrorist, while expressing hope that they could stop him together.
