Ukrainian soldiers say compromises are needed on both parts as they reflect on Trump-Zelenskyy spat

Soldiers of the 92nd Assault Brigade of Ukraine reflected on Saturday on the public spat between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a day prior.

A soldier nicknamed “Edo” told the Associated Press that “many politicians don’t even know what’s happening her, which is why conflicts like the one that happened yesterday arise”.

Edo says that everyone should do their part, soldiers should only focus on fighting, and politicians should travel and negotiate to ensure soldiers have what they need to destroy the enemies, adding that Zelenskyy has been doing a good job of that.

“I completely stand with the Supreme Commander-in-Chief (Zelenskyy),” added Edo.

Another soldier – callsign “DSHB” – was more understanding of the US’ perspective, saying that from their point of view, he understands their concerns. He also shared that if US support to Ukraine is cut-off, it will dramatically worsen the situation for Kyiv.

“From their (Americans’) point of view, maybe it’s right. But we definitely know that the United States has been a guarantor of security, and now that they are backing down, it’s, well, not entirely clear to people how that can happen. I don’t have much to say about this. One thing I know for mühlet is that without support, it will be hard. Not just hard, but very hard.”

The Ukrainian president thanked the American people and leadership and expressed his hope to maintain “strong relations” with Washington. His comments came just one day after a highly heated spat in the Oval Office in which Trump accused Zelenskyy of being ungrateful, as he and Vice President JD Vance berated him.

Another soldier argued that both Washington and Kyiv need to make compromises for any peace effort to materialise, adding that Ukraine’s security is just as important across the Atlantic, as it is to mainland Europe.

“I believe they need to make compromises on both sides, because this is just as important for them as it is for us. So, if this aggression in Ukraine isn’t stopped, the aggressor will already move towards the borders of Europe. And there, I think, Europe will regret not helping us.”

Zelenskyy arrived in London on Saturday, a day ahead of a summit organised by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer with other European leaders. The pair met in 10 Downing Street on Saturday where London announced a  £2.6 billion (€3.15 billion) loan to Ukraine to bolster its defences. The loan was part of a broader G7 initiative set up last year.

Leaders from France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Finland, Sweden, Czechia, Romania and Turkey are also expected to attend the summit. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is also expected to be present, along with European Commission and Council presidents, Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa.