During the Oval Office meeting on Friday, Trump took a tough stance against Zelenskyy, accusing him of “endangering the lives of millions.”

After Debate with Trump, Zelensky Makes a Big Statement: ‘Thank You, America, Now…’

Tensions in the Oval Office

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to former U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and the United States after a tense exchange in the Oval Office. Following the heated discussion, Zelenskyy left the White House without signing a crucial mineral agreement with the U.S.

During the meeting on Friday, Trump took a tough stance against Zelenskyy, accusing him of “endangering the lives of millions” and suggesting that his actions could have led to World War III. In response, Zelenskyy chose not to proceed with the mineral deal and departed from the White House.

Minutes after leaving, Zelenskyy posted on X, saying, “Thank you, America. Thank you for your support and for this visit. Thanks to the U.S. President, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs a just and lasting peace, and that is what we are working towards.”

Britain and France to Push for Peace Agreement

According to a report by Reuters, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday (March 2, 2025) that the UK and France would work on a peace plan for Ukraine, which would later be discussed with U.S. President Donald Trump.

“We have agreed that the UK and France will collaborate with Ukraine on a peace plan to stop the war,” Starmer said in an interview with the BBC. Referring to the recent tension between Trump and Zelenskyy, he added, “Nobody wanted to see that kind of dispute.”

Starmer Contacts Macron and Trump

Following his meeting with Zelenskyy at Downing Street, Starmer called both French President Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump to reaffirm solidarity with Ukraine.

“I felt uncomfortable watching the Trump-Zelenskyy exchange,” Starmer admitted, “but the important thing is how we respond to it.” He also mentioned that one or two other nations might join the UK-France peace initiative.

The British Prime Minister expressed hope that more European countries would step up to support Ukraine. However, he urged the U.S. to back a ceasefire to prevent Russia from launching further attacks.

Before landing in London on Saturday, Zelenskyy posted on social media that Ukraine was ready to sign the mineral deal with the U.S., but a ceasefire without security guarantees would be dangerous for Ukraine.