Trump-Zelenskyy fallout: What’s next for Ukraine’s war effort and US backing?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday he believes he can salvage relations with US President Donald Trump following their explosive Oval Office meeting, but that further discussions should take place behind closed doors.

Speaking to reporters at a London airport after a summit with European leaders, Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine would not concede any territory to Russia in a peace deal and remained open to signing a minerals agreement with the US, despite its abrupt cancellation after the heated exchange with Trump.

Fallout from Oval Office showdown

The diplomatic rupture between the two leaders played out on live television Friday when Trump accused Zelenskyy of being ungrateful for US aid, warned he was risking World War III, and dismissed Ukraine’s strategic position in its ongoing war with Russia. The tense 45-minute meeting ended without the signing of the minerals deal, which Kyiv had hoped would secure continued US backing.

Zelenskyy downplayed the impact of the confrontation but acknowledged that future talks with Washington should be more discreet.

“I do not think it's right when such discussions are totally open,” he said. “The format of what happened, I don't think it brought something positive or additional to us as partners.”

Despite Friday’s setback, the Ukrainian leader expressed confidence that US support would not waver.

“As regards salvaging the relationship, I think our relationship will continue,” he said, adding that he remained prepared for any outcome.

Draft peace plan

Zelenskyy’s visit to London came amid intensified European efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defences and push forward a peace plan. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a $2 billion military aid package for Ukraine, including 5,000 air-defense missiles, and emphasised the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for regional security.

According to the British PM, the steps toward peace would include keeping aid flowing to Kyiv and maintaining economic pressure on Russia to strengthen Ukraine’s hand; making sure Ukraine is at the bargaining table and any peace deal must ensure its sovereignty and security; and continue to arm Ukraine to deter future invasion.

Starmer also outlined a new initiative to develop a “coalition of the willing” to ensure Ukraine’s security and maintain economic pressure on Russia. “If there is to be a stopping of the fighting, then that agreement has to be defended,” he said, stressing the need for US backing.

What’s next for Ukraine-US relations?

In the aftermath of Friday’s Oval Office meeting, some Republican leaders suggested Zelenskyy should step down—a notion he firmly rejected.

“To change me, it will not be easy because it is not enough to simply hold elections,” he said.

Despite the tensions, both Kyiv and Washington have maintained communication at lower levels. Zelenskyy said while he remains open to negotiating with Trump, any peace agreement must ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.

With European nations stepping up their support and Starmer planning to bring a formal peace plan to Washington, the future of Ukraine’s war effort—and its ties with the US—remains uncertain.