Washington: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude for the United States' support in Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia, while also urging President Donald Trump to demonstrate stronger backing for Kiev.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Zelensky's comments followed a notably heated exchange with Trump and Vice-President JC Vance at the White House. This tense meeting occurred just before Zelensky traveled to London for a defense summit with European leaders focused on Ukraine's future.

Zelensky called for enhanced security assurances from the U.S., emphasizing Ukraine's readiness to finalize a minerals agreement that Trump has made a condition for continued American support. With three years of military conflict with Russia, Zelensky highlighted the risks of a ceasefire without robust security guarantees.

He stressed the importance of U.S. alignment with Ukraine, stating, "A ceasefire without security guarantees is dangerous for Ukraine," and underscored the necessity for Ukrainian citizens to feel supported by the U.S. "It is very important for us that Ukraine is heard and that no one forgets about it, neither during the war nor after," Zelensky remarked.