Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed the importance of US backing on Saturday, despite a tense public exchange with Donald Trump, who accused him of being ungrateful for American military aid.

During a televised confrontation, Trump criticized Zelensky for what he says was as a lack of appreciation, later stating that the Ukrainian leader had "disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office."

However, Zelensky maintained that maintaining US support remains crucial. "It's crucial for us to have President Trump's support. He wants to end the war, but no one wants peace more than we do," he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

It’s crucial for us to have President Trump’s support. He wants to end the war, but no one wants peace more than we do. We are the ones living this war in Ukraine. It’s a fight for our freedom, for our very survival.

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 1, 2025

Zelensky's visit to Washington was expected to include the signing of a long-anticipated minerals-sharing agreement with the US, a deal seen as a step toward enhanced security cooperation. However, reports indicate that Trump officials cut the meeting short and instructed Zelensky to leave after their heated exchange.

The Ukrainian president, undeterred, reiterated his country's commitment to finalizing the deal. "We are ready to sign the minerals agreement, and it will be the first step toward security guarantees," he said on Saturday.

Read more: Trump humiliates Zelensky, boots him from White House

The fallout from the clash prompted European leaders to rally behind Zelensky, with the Ukrainian leader continuing his diplomatic efforts with talks in London. Notably, former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, despite being a political rival, offered words of support.

"Some people expected me to criticise Zelensky. But no, there will be no criticism, because this is not what the country needs now," Poroshenko wrote on Facebook. At the same time, he hinted at concerns over Ukraine's strategy, adding, "We really hope that President Zelensky has a Plan B."

The diplomatic rift comes as Ukraine faces growing uncertainty over its relationship with Washington, particularly as Trump signals a shift in US foreign policy. With his next stop in London, Zelensky continues to push for Western support as the war with Russia persists.