Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated his willingness to sign a US-Ukraine minerals agreement despite leaving the White House without a finalized deal.
Speaking to reporters, the Ukrainian president emphasized his commitment to maintaining a "constructive dialogue" with the United States, despite a tense meeting with US President Donald Trump last week. "I just want the Ukrainian position to be heard," Zelensky stated, underscoring the importance of reminding international partners of Russia's role as the aggressor in the ongoing conflict.
Originally, the minerals deal was intended to strengthen security ties between Ukraine and the US, particularly as relations became strained due to the Trump administration's approach to peace negotiations with Russia. However, tensions escalated during a high-profile Oval Office exchange involving Zelensky, Trump, and US Vice-President JD Vance, leading to Zelensky's departure without the agreement being signed.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CBS News that an economic agreement could not proceed without a peace deal. He suggested that Zelensky had disrupted the intended sequence of negotiations by openly discussing matters that were meant to be handled behind closed doors.
Following a summit of European leaders in London, Zelensky acknowledged that his contentious meeting in Washington had not served the interests of either Ukraine or the US but had instead played into the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Nonetheless, he expressed his willingness to return to the White House if invited.
When questioned about the possibility of conceding Ukrainian territory as part of a peace agreement—a proposal reportedly considered by Trump officials—Zelensky declined to comment. He also refrained from reflecting on how he managed his meeting with Trump.
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, has resulted in Moscow controlling approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky spoke in London after a summit where global leaders endorsed a four-point strategy aimed at ending the war and preventing future Russian aggression. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that the UK, France, and other nations would form a "coalition of the willing" to intensify their support for Ukraine, while also seeking US involvement in their efforts.
