Zelensky called Starmer before voicing regret over Trump quarrel
4 Min Read
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer ahead of expressing regret over how his meeting with Trump went.
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Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky walk to a private room to meet during the European leaders' summit to discuss Ukraine at Lancaster House, London, Sunday, March 2, 2025. (AP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone conversation with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer before issuing a statement on his altercation with US President Donald Trump at the White House, Sky News reported Tuesday, citing a spokesperson for Starmer.
Earlier in the day, Zelensky expressed regret that his recent meeting with Trump did not go as planned and agreed to engage in negotiations as soon as possible. However, the details of his conversation with Starmer were not disclosed.
Sky News also reported that Starmer spoke with Trump late Monday regarding Ukraine, though it remains unclear whether this call took place before or after the White House announced the suspension of military aid to Kiev.
Earlier on Tuesday, White House senior advisor Jason Miller confirmed that Trump had halted military aid shipments to Ukraine, describing it as part of a "carrot and stick" strategy aimed at ending the three-year conflict with Russia.
The tensions between Trump and Zelensky escalated last Friday during a meeting in Washington, which ended in a public verbal clash in the Oval Office. Trump reportedly criticized Zelensky for a perceived lack of gratitude for US support, leading to the Ukrainian leader being asked to leave.
Following the incident, Trump canceled a rare earths deal already ratified by the Ukrainian government and declared that Zelensky would not be welcomed back to the White House until he was "ready for peace."
Ukraine supports US efforts
Earlier in the day, the Ukrainian parliament welcomed US President Donald Trump's peace initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, expressing confidence in his ability to play a decisive role in ending hostilities.
A statement issued by the parliament conveyed the Ukrainian people's strong desire to end the conflict and their belief that Trump's involvement efforts could play a crucial role in achieving peace for Ukraine, Europe, and the world.
"The Ukrainian people long for peace more than anyone and believe that President Donald Trump's personal involvement and peace efforts will be crucial in swiftly bringing an end to the conflict and securing peace for Ukraine, Europe, and the world. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine supports President Trump's initiatives to initiate negotiations toward a peaceful resolution," the statement read on Monday.
The parliament also highlighted that Ukraine's security and development rely on US support, stressing the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership with Washington, particularly in the exploration of critical minerals.
