Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appeared to offer some contrition Saturday morning following an argumentative televised meeting with President Donald Trump.

In a series of posts on X, Zelensky said that President Donald Trump’s support is ‘crucial.’ 

“He wants to end the war, but no one wants peace more than we do. We are the ones living this war in Ukraine. It’s a fight for our freedom, for our very survival,” Zelensky said. 

The comments come after a contentious meeting between Zelensky and Trump on Friday. Trump offered blunt words to Zelensky in front of reporters at the White House, warning him that he was risking a global conflict, losing the war, and demanding that he show gratitude for American support.

In his Saturday comments, Zelensky offered no apology, but he said that despite the “tough dialogue,” Ukraine will remain strategic partners with the U.S. “We need to be honest and direct with each other to truly understand our shared goals,” the Ukrainian president added. 

Zelensky also said Ukraine is ready to sign a minerals agreement, which would be the first step toward security guarantees. This would be a prerequisite for a cease-fire agreement, he said.