'Always grateful to Trump': Back in US, Zelenskyy pre-empts February-like spat with Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Washington DC on Sunday (local time) ahead of his meeting with US President Donald Trump , emphasising that he wants to end the war with Russia “quickly and reliably.”

This time, he is seeking to avoid a repeat of the public spat that erupted at the White House in February, and has already posted on social media that he is “grateful to Trump.”

Writing on X, Zelensky said, “I have already arrived in Washington, tomorrow I am meeting with President Trump. Tomorrow we are also speaking with European leaders. I am grateful to @POTUS for the invitation. We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably. And peace must be lasting. Not like it was years ago, when Ukraine was forced to give up Crimea and part of our East—part of Donbas—and Putin simply used it as a springboard for a new attack."

He further said that the Ukrainian people “will always be grateful to President Trump and the American people,” and every partner and ally “for their support and invaluable assistance.” Zelensky added, “Russia must end this war, which it itself started. And I hope that our joint strength with America, with our European friends, will force Russia into a real peace.”

“Ukrainians are fighting for their land, for their independence. Now, our soldiers have successes in Donetsk and Sumy regions. I am confident that we will defend Ukraine, effectively guarantee security.”

Trump’s bilateral meeting with Zelensky is set for 1.15 pm (local time) (1715 GMT / 10.45 pm IST) on Monday at the White House, according to a press guidance statement issued Sunday. Later in the day, Trump will also participate in a multilateral meeting with visiting European leaders at 3 pm (local time).

Back in White House after showdown in Feb

Zelensky’s return to the Oval Office comes for the first time since a stormy February 28 encounter with Trump and US VP JD Vance ended abruptly and casted doubts on future US backing for Kyiv.

At that meeting, Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Zelensky on live television, accusing him of being ungrateful for American aid since Russia’s invasion three years earlier, and pressing for rapid negotiations to halt the war.

Clash was a turning point in Kyiv–Washington relations

The clash marked a turning point in Kyiv–Washington relations, which had been warm under Joe Biden, and fueled fears that Trump could cut off military assistance.

During the tense exchange, Vance charged Zelensky with being “disrespectful” and ungrateful toward Trump’s diplomatic efforts, after Zelensky said Putin could not be trusted because of repeated breaches of past agreements.