Zelensky calls Trump meeting "regrettable," seeks to mend ties amid U.S. aid freeze
By isabelle // 2025-03-05
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  • Ukrainian President Zelensky called his meeting with Trump "regrettable" after U.S. military aid to Ukraine was abruptly frozen.
  • Zelensky proposed a partial ceasefire with Russia, including a ban on long-range strikes and a prisoner exchange, to advance peace talks.
  • The U.S. aid freeze has left Ukraine vulnerable, as it relies heavily on American weaponry to counter Russian aggression.
  • Trump’s administration stated the aid pause is temporary, contingent on Ukraine showing commitment to peace negotiations.
  • European allies are struggling to compensate for the U.S. aid gap, with analysts warning of tough times ahead for Ukraine’s defense.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has labeled his recent meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump as "regrettable" and vowed to "make things right" after the contentious encounter led to a sudden freeze in U.S. military aid to Ukraine. The clash, which occurred during Zelensky’s visit to the White House on Friday, has left Kyiv scrambling to salvage its relationship with Washington while facing mounting pressure to negotiate peace with Russia. Zelensky’s conciliatory remarks, posted on social media platform X, came just days after Trump halted military assistance to Ukraine, a move that has sent shockwaves through Kyiv and its European allies. The Ukrainian leader acknowledged the meeting "did not go the way it was supposed to be" and expressed readiness to work under Trump’s leadership to achieve "a peace that lasts."

Aid freeze sparks crisis

The abrupt suspension of U.S. military aid has left Ukraine in a precarious position. For years, Kyiv has relied heavily on American weaponry to fend off Russian aggression, with over $100 billion in military and economic aid flowing from the U.S. since the war began in 2022. However, Trump’s decision to pause deliveries has raised questions about Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defense efforts. A senior Trump administration official emphasized that the freeze is not permanent but contingent on Ukraine demonstrating a commitment to peace negotiations. "This is not a termination of aid, it’s a pause," the official told Fox News. "The orders are going out right now." Zelensky, in his statement, sought to reassure Washington of his willingness to cooperate, saying, "We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence." He also proposed a partial ceasefire with Russia, including a ban on long-range missile strikes and a prisoner exchange, as a first step toward broader peace talks.

Zelensky’s peace proposal

The Ukrainian president outlined a framework for de-escalation, suggesting an immediate truce in the air and sea, alongside a halt to attacks on civilian infrastructure. "We are ready to work fast to end the war," Zelensky wrote, adding that Kyiv is prepared to sign a minerals agreement with the U.S. "at any time and in any convenient format." While the proposal mirrors suggestions from European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, it remains unclear whether Moscow will agree to the terms. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov welcomed the U.S. aid freeze, calling it "a decision that can really push the Kyiv regime toward the peace process."

Criticism mounts over U.S. aid

Zelensky’s reliance on American support has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Republicans who argue that Ukraine has failed to show adequate gratitude for U.S. assistance. Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly rebuked Zelensky during the Oval Office meeting, accusing him of lacking a genuine commitment to peace. The freeze has also exposed Ukraine’s vulnerability. While Kyiv has made strides in producing its own weaponry—currently accounting for 30% of its military equipment—it remains heavily dependent on advanced U.S. systems like the Patriot air defense. The pause in U.S. aid has left European allies scrambling to fill the gap, but analysts warn that no single country can match America’s military capabilities. "It is clear that Europeans lack some of the capacities the U.S. provided," said Nathalie Tocci, director of the Rome-based Institute of International Affairs. "It will be really tough times." Sources for this article include: Reuters.com FoxNews.com WashingtonPost.com
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