Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly invited President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine in the aftermath of a deadly Russian missile strike that killed dozens, including children, in the city of Sumy. The bold gesture aims to confront skepticism over the war’s realities and counter claims suggesting Ukraine is staging propaganda.
The invitation comes after recent remarks by Vice President JD Vance, who accused Ukraine of orchestrating emotional manipulation. Zelensky responded by calling such statements offensive to the families of the victims and reiterated that the suffering in Ukraine is painfully real.
Zelensky also expressed alarm over comments made by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, warning that voices in the West are beginning to echo Russian narratives. He emphasized that any ceasefire deal with Moscow is unreliable, pointing to renewed attacks following what was meant to be a 30-day truce.
The Ukrainian leader said his government remains committed to defending its sovereignty and is actively seeking to purchase U.S.-made defense systems to protect civilians from further attacks. Meanwhile, the political rift between Kyiv and Washington appears to be widening, especially after an earlier meeting between Trump and Zelensky ended without resolution.
With tensions rising and missiles still falling, Zelensky’s message to the U.S. president is simple: come see the truth—because the stakes are far greater than politics.