Locals watch as emergency services work the site of a Russian strike on a nine-story residential building in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Nov. 14. On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to countries that were trying to help end the war with Russia. Photo by Maxym Marusenko/EPA
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude for those countries helping to end the war with Russia after President Donald Trump said he had “zero gratitude” for the efforts of the United States.
“Everyone is offering support, giving advice, providing information — and I am grateful to each and every person who is giving this help to us, to Ukraine. It is important to ensure that the steps to end the war are effective, and that everything is doable. Ukraine has never wanted war, and we will never be an obstacle to peace,” Zelensky posted on X.
He said he appreciated the diplomacy of all sides.
“Diplomacy has been reinvigorated – and this is good. We expect the outcome to deliver the right steps. And the first priority is a reliable peace, guaranteed security, respect for our people, and respect for everyone who gave their lives defending Ukraine from Russian aggression,” he said on X.
He expressed the need to consider the will of the Ukrainian people.
“Millions of Ukrainians clearly support our state’s position. It is palpable. There is firm support for our independence and Ukrainian sovereignty. People must benefit from all political decisions,” Zelensky said.
Trump posted on Truth Social Sunday morning that “UKRAINE ‘LEADERSHIP’ HAS EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS, AND EUROPE CONTINUES TO BUY OIL FROM RUSSIA. THE USA CONTINUES TO SELL MASSIVE $AMOUNTS OF WEAPONS TO NATO, FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UKRAINE (CROOKED JOE GAVE EVERYTHING, FREE, FREE, FREE, INCLUDING “BIG” MONEY!). GOD BLESS ALL THE LIVES THAT HAVE BEEN LOST IN THE HUMAN CATASTROPHE!”
Trump later posted on social media that “something good just may be happening,” but: “Don’t believe it until you see it.”
Officials from the United States and Ukraine met in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss the peace plan, which initially leaned heavily toward Russia.
Spokesperson Dmitri Peskov noted Moscow was aware that “adjustments” were made.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that progress was made in the talks in Geneva. “I honestly believe we’ll get there,” he said.
