Washington and Kyiv: Zelensky Bets on “Behind-the-Scenes” Agreements

4th March 2025

2 minutes read

Washington and Kyiv: Zelensky Bets on "Behind-the-Scenes" Agreements

Despite the tense atmosphere following the stormy meeting at the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains hopeful about salvaging the relationship with the United States.

During a meeting broadcast live on Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump accused his Ukrainian counterpart of failing to appreciate American aid, showing disrespect toward Washington, and risking a third world war, raising doubts about continued U.S. support for Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters after a European summit hosted in London on Sunday, Zelensky said he believed he could salvage his relationship with his American counterpart following their heated exchange in the Oval Office. However, he emphasized that discussions should continue behind closed doors.

Zelensky stated that he did not believe the U.S. would stop supporting Ukraine, as, in his words, “leaders of the civilized world” would not want to indirectly aid Russian President Vladimir Putin.

However, he noted that he was preparing for any potential challenges.

Speaking through an interpreter after the London meeting, he added, “Regarding the preservation of our relationship, I believe it will continue.”

He continued, “I don’t think it’s appropriate to conduct such discussions in public… I don’t believe what happened brought anything positive or beneficial to us as partners.”

Zelensky reaffirmed that he remained willing to sign a mineral resources agreement with the U.S. and that he believed Washington was also ready to proceed with it.

Highlighting the growing tension between Washington and Kyiv, White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz told CNN on Sunday that the U.S. needed a Ukrainian president willing to reach a lasting peace with Russia, but it was unclear whether Zelensky was prepared to do so.

The verbal clash between Zelensky and Trump on Friday came at the end of a week in which Europe’s efforts to persuade Trump to continue supporting Ukraine appeared to be paying off, particularly after friendly visits to Washington by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.