Ukraine's president has described Donald Trump in just one word following their explosive exchange at the White House in front of the world's media.
Volodymyr Zelensky touched down at London's Stansted Airport this morning a day earlier than expected following a nightmare trip to the US, which saw him blasted by an irate Donald Trump and his vice president, JD Vance. On Sunday, he will attend a crucial summit of European leaders in London, including those from France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, along with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
World leaders have already voiced messages of support for Zelensky after yesterday's showdown in the White House. But as he landed in London today, Mr Zelensky released a statement on his relationship with the United States - and said Mr Trump's support was still "crucial" to Ukraine triumphing over Russia.
Mr Zelensky said: "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."
Zelensky will also meet the Prime Minister at Downing Street this afternoon, a No.10 spokesperson confirmed. In his statement ahead of Sunday's meeting, Zelensky spoke of his gratitude to the US - a topic which proved a point of contention in the Oval Office yesterday, when Vice President JD Vance claimed he hadn't "thanked" Trump for military support provided to his country.
Speaking in his statement, the hero Ukrainian leader continued: "We are very grateful to the United States for all the support. I'm thankful to President Trump, Congress for their bipartisan support, and American people.
"Ukrainians have always appreciated this support, especially during these three years of full-scale invasion. America's help has been vital in helping us survive, and I want to acknowledge that. Despite the tough dialogue, we remain strategic partners.
Referring to the potential minerals deal with the US - which he did not sign yesterday - he said: "We want peace. That's why I came to the United States, and visited President Trump. The deal on minerals is just a first step toward security guarantees and getting closer to peace. Our situation is tough, but we can't just stop fighting and not having guarantees that Putin will not return tomorrow."
Mr Zelensky also said it is "very important" that Ukraine is "heard and not forgotten" after yesterday's dramatic meeting with Donald Trump. The Ukrainian president wrote on Telegram today: "People in Ukraine need to know that they are not alone, that their interests are represented in every country, in every corner of the world."
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