Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared that his nation requires "everything" from the United States to maintain a formidable military force, speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday.
When questioned by a journalist about the specific guarantees he sought from President Donald Trump to facilitate an agreement, including whether American troops or intelligence equipment were needed, he provided a comprehensive response.
"Everything. It really includes two parts. First, a strong Ukrainian army which I've already begun to discuss with your colleagues. That means weapons, personnel, training missions, and intelligence support," the Ukrainian leader stated.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said they need "everything" from the US
|POOL
He continued: "Second, it depends on our partners on big countries like the United States, and on many of our friends."
The Ukrainian President arrived at the White House earlier for critical discussions with the US regarding the ongoing conflict.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined several European leaders in Washington to participate in the crucial negotiations, demonstrating unified Western support for Ukraine's position.
The British leader was accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb at the White House gathering.
Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were also in attendance for the discussions.
The European delegation's presence aimed to bolster Kyiv's negotiating position and prevent Ukraine from being compelled to accept Russian territorial gains as a condition for peace.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The collective meeting with all leaders was scheduled for 3pm local time, following the initial private discussion between the American and Ukrainian presidents.
Relations between the two leaders remain strained following a February White House encounter that deteriorated into what observers characterised as a "shouting match", with President Trump and Vice President JD Vance accusing President Zelensky of showing "disrespect" to America.
During that heated exchange, President Trump reportedly accused President Zelensky of "gambling with millions of lives" and warned of potential "World War III".
Donald Trump greets Volodymyr Zelensky at The White House | REUTERSThe high-stakes encounter follows President Trump's discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, which concluded without achieving a peace agreement after approximately three hours of negotiations.
Moscow has reportedly presented extensive demands as prerequisites for ending the conflict, including Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donetsk and Luhansk territories and Kyiv's renunciation of Nato membership aspirations.
The Kremlin's conditions also encompass formal acknowledgement of Russian sovereignty over Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014, alongside partial sanctions relief.