Zelenskyy thanks Trump for military support after tense meeting

In February 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the White House, where he clashed with former President Donald Trump and U.S. Senator J.D. Vance over the best approach to ending the ongoing conflict with Russia. The meeting turned heated as Vance pressed Zelenskyy on his level of gratitude for American military assistance, questioning if he had expressed thanks at all. In the face of these challenges, Zelenskyy countered by arguing the ineffectiveness of diplomacy with a leader like Vladimir Putin, who has previously violated agreements. This exchange underscored the tense dynamics as Ukraine sought to bolster its international alliances amid the war. After the meeting, Zelenskyy tweeted a public thank you to Trump and the U.S. for their ongoing support, signaling a willingness to move past their earlier disagreements and hoping for future collaboration. This acknowledgment came shortly after the encounter where Trump had expressed his frustrations over the stalled peace negotiations. Subsequently, Zelenskyy highlighted his commitment to pursuing a ceasefire and real peace, aiming to work cooperatively with American leadership as Ukraine continues to face challenges in its conflict with Russia. This sequence of events reflects the precarious balance Ukraine is trying to maintain in its international relations while navigating complex and multifaceted military support needs.