Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the United States to “stand more firmly on our side” following a tense exchange with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday.

Speaking from the UK, where he is attending a European leaders’ summit, Zelensky emphasized the need for continued US support for Ukraine, despite what he described as a “tough dialogue” between the two nations.

The friction followed a heated Oval Office meeting in which Trump reportedly told Zelensky to negotiate a peace deal with Russia “or we are out,” while US Vice President JD Vance accused him of being ungrateful for American aid.

On Saturday, Zelensky expressed gratitude to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for what he described as a “meaningful and warm” discussion, announcing that Britain had agreed to a £2.26 billion ($2.8 billion) loan to Ukraine.

“The funds will be directed toward weapons production in Ukraine,” Zelensky said.

“I thank the people and government of the United Kingdom for their tremendous support from the very beginning of this war. We are happy to have such strategic partners and to share the same vision of what a secure future should look like for all.”

Earlier, the Ukrainian leader published a 14-post thread on X, reiterating his call for US security guarantees to be included in any “just and lasting” peace deal with Russia. While acknowledging that Trump wants to end the war, Zelensky stressed that no one desires peace more than Ukraine.

The White House meeting, originally intended to precede the signing of an agreement granting the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth mineral deposits, ended abruptly before the deal could be finalized. Instead, Zelensky was reportedly asked to leave early.

Speaking to reporters afterward, Trump said Zelensky had “overplayed his hand” and would need to state his willingness to make peace before talks with Washington could resume.

While European leaders have rallied behind Zelensky in the aftermath of the dispute, NATO’s Secretary General has urged him to “find a way” to restore relations with Trump.

Despite the setback, Zelensky maintained on Saturday that Ukraine remains ready to sign the minerals agreement, calling it a “first step toward security guarantees” from the US—an offer that Trump has so far refused to endorse.