By The White House from Washington, DC
Zelenskyy Ukrainian President convened a meeting with Keith Kellogg, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Russia and Ukraine, in Kyiv on Thursday. The discussions focused on the current battlefield conditions, strategies for the repatriation of Ukraine’s prisoners of war, and the establishment of robust security guarantees. Zelenskyy conveyed Ukraine’s willingness to engage in a “strong, effective” investment and security agreement with US President Donald Trump.
Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine has been pursuing peace since the onset of the conflict with Russia. He underscored that the strong relationship between the United States and Ukraine is advantageous for the entire global community.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy remarked, “I had a productive meeting with @SPE_Kellogg—a good discussion, many important details. I am grateful to the United States for all the assistance and bipartisan support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. It’s important for us—and for the entire free world—that American strength is felt. We had a detailed conversation about the battlefield situation, how to return our prisoners of war, and effective security guarantees.”
From the outset of this conflict, Ukraine has been committed to achieving peace. It is imperative that we establish a robust and enduring peace to prevent any future aggression from Russia. Ukraine is prepared to engage in a comprehensive and effective investment and security agreement with the President of the United States. We have outlined the most efficient and constructive approach to attain our objectives. Our team is available around the clock to facilitate this process. The success of our efforts is a unifying force for all. Strong relations between Ukraine and the United States are advantageous for the entire global community. I express my gratitude to General Kellogg for our collaborative efforts in reaching significant outcomes.
In his address to the nation, Zelenskyy also referenced his discussions with Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg. He emphasized the necessity for Ukraine to establish “strong agreements with the US” that are genuinely effective. The Ukrainian President stated that he has instructed his team to act swiftly and judiciously.
In a recent post on X, Zelenskyy remarked on a day filled with significant international engagement. He noted that his meeting with General Kellogg was one that rekindled optimism, emphasizing the necessity for robust agreements with the United States—agreements that are genuinely effective. He has directed his team to act swiftly and judiciously, asserting that economic stability and security must be interconnected, and that the specifics of these agreements are crucial; well-structured agreements will yield more substantial outcomes.
Zelenskyy further elaborated on his discussions with General Kellogg, which included the current situation at the frontlines, the imperative to secure the release of all Ukrainian prisoners of war held in Russia, and the urgent need for a clear and dependable system of security guarantees. This system should ensure that such a conflict does not recur and that Russia is prevented from causing further devastation. He concluded by stating that peace is a universal necessity for Ukraine, Europe, America, and the entire globe.
The meeting between Zelenskyy and the envoy of Trump occurred shortly after US President Donald Trump criticized his Ukrainian counterpart regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump stated that the United States has expended USD 200 billion more than Europe, asserting that while Europe’s financial contributions are assured, the US receives no benefits in return.
Trump accused Zelenskyy of convincing the United States to invest billions in a war he deemed unwinnable, raising concerns about the distribution of resources and the disparity in financial support from Europe. He further labeled Zelenskyy as a dictator who avoids holding elections.
In a post shared on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump remarked, “Consider this: a moderately successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, managed to persuade the United States of America to allocate $350 billion to a conflict that was unnecessary and unwinnable, a situation he will be unable to resolve without the support of the US and ‘TRUMP.'”
The post continued, “The United States has invested $200 billion more than Europe, with European funding being guaranteed, while the US will receive no returns. Why hasn’t sleepy Joe Biden insisted on equal contributions, given that this war is significantly more critical to Europe than to us? We are separated by a vast ocean. Additionally, Zelenskyy has acknowledged that half of the funds we provided are ‘MISSING.’ He refuses to hold elections, is struggling in Ukrainian polls, and his only notable achievement has been manipulating Biden. A dictator without elections, Zelenskyy must act swiftly or risk losing his country.”
Trump further claimed that only his administration possessed the capability to effectively negotiate a resolution to the conflict with Russia. While he expressed his support for Ukraine, he criticized Zelenskyy’s leadership, stating that it has resulted in a “shattered” nation and countless avoidable fatalities.
Trump remarked, “In the meantime, we are successfully negotiating an end to the war with Russia, something that everyone acknowledges can only be accomplished by ‘TRUMP’ and the Trump Administration. Biden has made no attempts, Europe has failed to achieve peace, and Zelenskyy likely wishes to maintain the flow of resources. I have great affection for Ukraine, but Zelenskyy has performed poorly; his country is in ruins, and millions have died needlessly – and the situation persists.”
