Malta is ready to offer a space for peace talks, Foreign Minister Ian Borg said on Saturday while discussing the White House spat between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Speaking with Andrew Azzopardi on RTK103, Borg said he reached out to “those who I felt like I should talk with” so that, if a summit is held between the US, Europe and allies on Ukraine, Malta could serve as a space for talks.

“But if you want to offer that space, you can’t attack any side,” he said. “I’m convinced we should align ourselves – Europe, the US, Canada, and other countries – with the Ukrainian cause, even for ourselves, for our freedom and for European security.”

So far, both Borg and Prime Minister Robert Abela have yet to publicly declare support for Zelensky after a raised-voice spat with Trump during a meeting at the White House.

However, Opposition Leader Bernard Grech joined EU leaders in supporting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “We stand with Ukraine, unwavering in our support for President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people. Stay strong, stay resilient, stay united,” Grech posted on X.

Roberta Metsola, Maltese MEP and President of the European Parliament, also told Zelensky he will never be alone in this fight. “Your dignity honours the bravery of the Ukrainian people […] We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.”

Zelensky’s turbulent meeting with Trump

Trump and Zelensky had a public falling out over the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Friday.

During a meeting in the White House, Trump reportedly criticised Zelensky for not being sufficiently thankful for U.S. support. He further warned Zelensky that he must either negotiate with Russia or risk losing US backing.  

US vice president JD Vance, who was also present, accused Zelensky of being “disrespectful”. When the Ukrainian president attempted to respond, he was interrupted.  

Zelensky said there could be “no compromises” with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He highlighted Russia’s war crimes, including the deportation of Ukrainian children.

Many leaders rushed to back Zelensky, including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and British PM Keir Starmer.

In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni called for a summit between the US, Europe and Ukraine allies.