Ukraine's Zelenskyy expresses willingness to strike a minerals deal following dispute with Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that a minerals agreement with the United States is "ready" to be signed, despite his recent public dispute with US President Donald Trump.
Speaking to reporters following a key summit with European leaders in London on Sunday, Zelenskyy confirmed that Kyiv is prepared to proceed with the deal, which had been derailed after a heated exchange with Trump on Friday.
“We remain committed to moving forward regardless of past events. We take a constructive approach. If we agreed to sign the deal, we are ready. And honestly, I believe the United States is ready as well,” Zelenskyy said through a translator at London Stansted Airport.
“Perhaps some reflection is needed on certain matters, but what's most important to me is that Ukraine's position is heard,” he added.
Zelenskyy also expressed optimism that relations with Trump could be repaired and that US support for Kyiv would continue.
“I believe our relationship will endure. It’s more than just a momentary issue,” Zelenskyy said. “We must remain transparent. Ukraine may not be the largest country, but the world can see how we fight for our independence and freedom.”
“We absolutely rely on US support,” he continued. “Ending that support would only benefit Putin. And for that reason, I believe the United States and the leaders of the civilised world won’t do anything that helps Putin.”
Zelenskyy’s comments came at the conclusion of his two-day visit to the UK, during which European leaders worked to demonstrate unity in backing Ukraine and revitalize efforts to end the war with Russia.
During a landmark summit in London, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain and France would lead a "coalition of the willing" to draft a peace proposal to present to Trump.
“We are at a historic crossroads,” Starmer said, urging European leaders to rise to this “once-in-a-generation moment” for the continent’s security.
“This is not a time for more talk. It’s time for action. Time to lead and unite around a new plan for a just and lasting peace.”
The Trump administration’s plan to jointly develop Ukraine’s natural resources as part of a larger peace agreement collapsed on Friday following a tense, televised meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump at the White House.
During the meeting, Zelenskyy pushed back against US Vice President JD Vance's suggestion that diplomatic solutions were needed after former President Joe Biden’s strategies had fallen short. In response, Trump and Vance criticized Zelenskyy for lacking gratitude for US support and overplaying his negotiating position.
Following the confrontation, Trump cancelled the remainder of Zelenskyy’s visit, including the planned signing ceremony for the minerals deal, stating that Zelenskyy could return when he was “ready” for peace.
Some Republican lawmakers, including Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, even suggested that Zelenskyy should resign if he was unable to negotiate with Trump.
On Sunday, Zelenskyy dismissed those calls as "undemocratic," but stated he would step down if Ukraine secured membership in NATO.
“That would mean my mission is complete,” he said.
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