Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has described his heated meeting with Donald Trump last Friday as “regrettable” and admitted it “did not go the way it was supposed to.”

Despite the tense exchange, Zelensky affirmed that Ukraine is ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to negotiate a peace deal and has also expressed willingness to sign a minerals agreement with the U.S.

This statement follows the U.S. government’s announcement to pause military aid to Ukraine, a move that has sparked strong reactions globally.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged that Europe is ready to “step up” on defense, while Russia has welcomed Trump’s decision, stating that it “could really push the Kyiv regime to a peace process.”