Citizen NewsNG 
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has issued a statement following a tense exchange with United States’ President Donald Trump at the White House.
In his remarks, Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness to sign a minerals agreement but stressed that more than just economic deals were needed.
He also accused Russia of repeatedly violating ceasefire agreements.
SaharaReporters reports excerpts from his statement below:
“We are very grateful to the United States for all the support. I’m thankful to President Trump, Congress for their bipartisan support, and the American people. Ukrainians have always appreciated this support, especially during these three years of full-scale invasion.”
“America’s help has been vital in helping us survive, and I want to acknowledge that. Despite the tough dialogue, we remain strategic partners. But we need to be honest and direct with each other to truly understand our shared goals.”
Zelenskyy emphasised that securing U.S. support in Ukraine’s fight against Russia was essential, stating that Ukrainians also desire peace.
“It’s crucial for us to have President Trump’s support. He wants to end the war, but no one wants peace more than we do. We are the ones living this war in Ukraine. It’s a fight for our freedom, for our very survival.”
Quoting former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, Zelenskyy argued that peace must be more than just a ceasefire:
“President Reagan once said, ‘Peace is not just the absence of war.’ We’re talking about a just and lasting peace—one built on freedom, justice, and human rights for all. A ceasefire won’t work with Putin. He has broken ceasefires 25 times over the last decade. Real peace is the only solution.”
Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s willingness to sign a minerals agreement but insisted that security assurances were necessary beyond just a ceasefire.
“We are ready to sign the minerals agreement, and it will be the first step toward security guarantees. But it’s not enough — we need more than just that. A ceasefire without security guarantees is dangerous for Ukraine. We’ve been fighting for three years, and the Ukrainian people need to know that America is on our side.”
The Ukrainian leader also accused Russia of committing atrocities and attempting to erase Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“I cannot change Ukraine’s position on Russia. The Russians are killing us. Russia is the enemy, and that’s the reality we face. Ukraine wants peace, but it must be a just and lasting peace. For that, we need to be strong at the negotiation table. Peace can only come when we have security guarantees, when our army is strong, and when our partners stand with us.”
Zelenskyy stated that his visit to the U.S. was aimed at securing peace and emphasised that the minerals deal was only a first step toward broader security guarantees.
“We want peace. That’s why I came to the United States and visited President Trump.
The deal on minerals is just a first step toward security guarantees and getting closer to peace. Our situation is tough, but we can’t just stop fighting without guarantees that Putin won’t return tomorrow.”
Acknowledging that NATO membership may not be immediately possible, Zelenskyy pressed for alternative security guarantees from allies, including the United States.
“It will be difficult without U.S. support. But we cannot lose our will, our freedom, or our people. We have seen how Russians came to our homes and killed many innocent civilians. Nobody wants another wave of occupation. If NATO membership is not possible, we need a clear structure of security guarantees from our allies, including the U.S.”
He also stressed Europe’s readiness to support Ukraine and urged the U.S. to play a crucial role in defining security arrangements.
“Europe is ready for contingencies and to help fund our large army. But we also need the U.S. to define what kind of security guarantees will be provided, in what volume, and when. Once these guarantees are in place, we can engage in diplomacy with Russia, Europe, and the U.S. War alone is too costly, and we do not have enough weapons to push them out entirely.”
On the human cost of the war, Zelenskyy reminded the world of the real suffering caused by Russia’s invasion.
“When people talk about losses, they must remember that every single life matters. Russia invaded our homes, killed our people, and tried to erase our identity. This is not just about territories or numbers—it is about real lives. That is what we need everyone to understand.”
Zelenskyy called for stronger U.S. support, insisting that Russia’s aggression was a violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
“I want the U.S. to stand more firmly on our side. This is not just a war between our two countries; Russia brought this war to our territory and into our homes. They are wrong because they disrespected our sovereignty.”
He concluded by expressing gratitude for U.S. assistance and emphasising the deep relationship between Ukraine and the American people.
“Our relationship with the American President is more than just two leaders—it is a historic and solid bond between our peoples. That’s why I always begin with words of gratitude from our nation to the American nation.”
It would be recalled that Trump and Zelenskyy engaged in a heated exchange at the White House, with Trump accusing the Ukrainian leader of refusing to make peace with Russia.
The confrontation, which occurred in front of both local and international media, escalated when Trump told Zelenskyy:
“You’re either going to make a deal, or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out, and I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.” Zelenskyy left shortly afterward, and Trump later posted on social media: “He can come back when he is ready for peace.”
Following the incident, European leaders rallied around Zelenskyy, pledging their continued support for Ukraine.
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