President Volodymyr Zelensky said the people of Ukraine want only lasting peace—his first comment after meeting President Donald Trump.
The Ukrainian leader was at the Oval Office on Friday, where he had a heated exchange with President Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
In a post on X after leaving the White House, Zelensky thanked the United States for their support and for his visit.
“Thank you, @POTUS, Congress, and the American people,” he wrote. “Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
Zelensky, Trump, and Vance had a shouting match as they disagreed on reaching a resolution to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A press conference, where Trump and Zelensky were expected to deliver separate speeches and take further questions, was cancelled due to the tense atmosphere.
Reports say Ukrainian chat groups and social media are hailing their leader for standing his ground during the meeting with his U.S. hosts.
President Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said Zelensky displayed disrespect and should return to the White House when he is ready for peace.