Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that a minerals deal with the United States is “ready” to be signed, despite recent public tensions with former US President Donald Trump.
Zelenskyy made the statement following a crucial summit with European leaders in London. Speaking to reporters at London Stansted airport, he emphasized Kyiv’s willingness to proceed with the agreement, which was stalled after a heated public exchange with Trump.
“It is our policy to continue despite what happened in the past. We are constructive. If we agreed upon signing it, we were ready to sign it. And honestly, I believe that the United States is ready as well,” Zelenskyy said through a translator.
He underscored the importance of ensuring Ukraine’s position is heard, adding that his country remains committed to working with international partners.
The minerals deal fell apart during a tense televised meeting at the White House last Friday. During the exchange, Zelenskyy challenged US Vice President JD Vance’s assertion that diplomatic negotiations were necessary after former US President Joe Biden’s approach had failed. In response, Trump and Vance criticized Zelenskyy, accusing him of being ungrateful for US support and overestimating his negotiating power.
Following the confrontation, Trump abruptly canceled the remainder of Zelenskyy’s visit, including the official signing ceremony for the minerals deal. Trump stated that Zelenskyy could return when he was “ready” to pursue peace.
Despite the public fallout, Zelenskyy expressed optimism that relations with the United States could be repaired. “I think our relations will continue. Because this is more than relations at a certain moment,” he said. “We count on assistance from the United States without a doubt.”
Zelenskyy warned that halting US assistance would only benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I think stopping such assistance will only help Putin. And because of that, I think the United States and representatives of the civilized world definitely won’t help Putin,” he added.
In the wake of the confrontation, several Republican lawmakers, including Senator Lindsey Graham, suggested that Zelenskyy should consider stepping down if he cannot successfully negotiate with Trump.
Zelenskyy rejected these calls as “undemocratic” but made a surprising declaration: he would resign if Ukraine were granted membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
“Then it means I have fulfilled my mission,” Zelenskyy stated.
Zelenskyy’s remarks came at the conclusion of a two-day visit to the United Kingdom. During the trip, European leaders aimed to present a unified stance in support of Ukraine and revive efforts to end the ongoing conflict with Russia.
At the London summit, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged European leaders to seize a “once-in-a-generation moment” to secure peace on the continent. He announced that the UK and France would form a “coalition of the willing” to draft a new peace plan to present to Trump.
“This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act. Time to step up and lead and to unite around a new plan for a just and enduring peace,” Starmer declared.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Zelenskyy remains firm in his belief that US support is critical for Ukraine’s independence and the broader fight against Russian aggression.
