Zelensky Confirms Ukraine’s Strong Commitment to Finalizing Minerals Deal with Trump

Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, has expressed his willingness to sign a minerals deal with the U.S., even after leaving the White House without an agreement. He emphasized that the Ukrainian perspective needs to be acknowledged in ongoing discussions.

Zelensky stated, “We want our partners to remember who the aggressor is in this war.” His remarks follow a tense meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, during which the minerals deal, aimed at strengthening U.S.-Ukraine security ties, was not finalized.

Following a heated exchange between Zelensky, Trump, and U.S. Vice-President JD Vance, Zelensky left the Oval Office empty-handed. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that an economic agreement cannot be reached without a peace deal, criticizing Zelensky for discussing the issue publicly instead of in private negotiations.

After a recent summit in London with European leaders, Zelensky remarked that the combative nature of the Washington meeting was not beneficial for either the U.S. or Ukraine, but rather helped Russian President Vladimir Putin. Nevertheless, Zelensky is open to returning to the White House if invited.

He sidestepped questions about conceding territory to Russia, a suggestion made by some Trump officials. The conflict began in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion, and it currently occupies about 20% of Ukraine.

During the London summit, global leaders discussed a four-point plan to assist Ukraine and protect it from further Russian attacks. Countries like the UK and France will form a “coalition of the willing” to enhance their support for Ukraine, with hopes of involving the U.S. in this effort.

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