Zelenskyy Arrives in London for European Summit Amid U.S. Tensions/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTOn/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy moved on swiftly from a tense Oval Office exchange with President Donald Trump, arriving in London on Saturday for urgent talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders. Despite leaving Washington without a long-anticipated minerals deal, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the U.S. public and leadership, emphasizing his hope for continued strong relations. Meanwhile, Russia hailed the diplomatic fallout as a failure for Kyiv, while European allies criticized Trump’s handling of the meeting.
Zelenskyy’s Next Steps: Quick Looks
- Zelenskyy arrived in London ahead of schedule to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after his Washington visit.
- Ukraine had expected to sign a critical minerals deal with the U.S., but the agreement was left unsigned after Trump berated Zelenskyy.
- Russia called the Oval Office confrontation a “complete diplomatic failure” for Ukraine, while European leaders slammed Trump’s approach.
- Macron responded to Trump’s World War III warning, saying, “If anyone is gambling, it’s Vladimir Putin.”
- Germany’s president accused Trump of “humiliating” Zelenskyy in front of the world, calling it a major diplomatic misstep.
- A Russian drone strike on Kharkiv injured 12 civilians, underscoring Ukraine’s ongoing security concerns.
- Turkish and Russian foreign ministers discussed the war as Turkey signals its willingness to mediate talks.
Zelenskyy Arrives in London for European Summit Amid U.S. Tensions
Deep Look: Zelenskyy Presses On After High-Stakes White House Clash
Zelenskyy Lands in London After Diplomatic Firestorm in Washington
Less than 24 hours after his explosive meeting with President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy landed in London ahead of schedule to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders.
Zelenskyy had initially planned to meet Starmer on Sunday before attending a high-profile summit of European leaders focused on Ukraine’s security. However, the timetable was moved up following the diplomatic fallout in Washington.
Ukraine Left Empty-Handed in Washington
Before arriving in London, Zelenskyy used a series of social media posts to thank the U.S. people, Trump, and Congress for past support, while expressing hope for “strong relations” going forward.
“Our relationship with the American President is more than just two leaders; it’s a historic and solid bond between our peoples. … We want only strong relations with America, and I really hope we will have them,” Zelenskyy wrote.
Despite this conciliatory tone, Ukraine left Washington without securing a long-awaited deal on U.S. access to its critical mineral resources, which was meant to be part of a broader economic and security partnership.
“We had hoped this would be a step toward a just ceasefire,” a senior Ukrainian official said. “Instead, we left with nothing.”
Russia and European Leaders React to the White House Blowup
Russia wasted no time in exploiting the Oval Office confrontation.
Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, called the meeting “a complete political and diplomatic failure for Kyiv.” She mocked European leaders who continue to support Ukraine, saying they show “political weakness and extreme moral degradation.”
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemned Trump’s behavior, saying “Diplomacy fails when negotiating partners are humiliated in front of the world.”
French President Emmanuel Macron directly countered Trump’s claim that Zelenskyy was “gambling with World War III.” “If anyone is gambling, it’s Vladimir Putin,” Macron said in Lisbon ahead of Sunday’s Ukraine summit. He added, “The United States has always been on the right side of history. I hope it stays that way.”
Russian Airstrike on Kharkiv Underscores Ukraine’s Security Concerns
Even as Zelenskyy navigates diplomatic tensions, Russia continues its military onslaught.
- Russia launched 154 attack drones overnight across Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s air force.
- In Kharkiv, 12 civilians—including three children—were wounded in a Russian drone strike, officials said.
- The attack damaged a medical facility and multiple residential buildings, according to Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov.
The latest assault underscores why Ukraine continues to push for stronger security assurances from its Western allies, despite setbacks in Washington.
Turkey Signals Willingness to Mediate Peace Talks
- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Saturday about Ukraine.
- Turkey has previously hosted unsuccessful peace talks, and Fidan is set to attend Sunday’s London summit to discuss paths forward.
With Turkey maintaining close ties with both Ukraine and Russia, its role in future negotiations remains uncertain.
What Comes Next for Zelenskyy and Ukraine?
Despite failing to secure a deal with Trump, Zelenskyy is pressing forward with European allies, seeking alternative security commitments and economic support.
- Sunday’s summit in London will bring together key European leaders, NATO officials, and EU representatives to discuss Ukraine’s future.
- Zelenskyy is expected to push for additional European security guarantees in the absence of clear U.S. commitments.
- Meanwhile, Russia is likely to exploit U.S.-Ukraine tensions to further its strategic objectives.
Zelenskyy’s diplomatic maneuvering in the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Ukraine can secure the international backing it needs to continue its defense against Russia.
“The world is watching,” one European diplomat said. “Ukraine must not be left to fight alone.”
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