Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday that Ukraine is prepared to sign a landmark minerals deal with the United States, a step that was initially intended to support the country’s post-war recovery and reinforce international cooperation.
In an interview with UK media, Zelensky made it clear that the agreement is still on the table, pending readiness from both parties.
“If the parties are ready, we are ready to sign the minerals deal,” Zelensky said during a late-night gathering with UK media following a key summit in London. This statement came after a significant clash earlier in the week between Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump, which jeopardized the deal’s prospects.
The proposed deal, which sought to jointly exploit Ukraine’s vast mineral resources, was expected to play a pivotal role in Ukraine’s recovery and the broader U.S.-Ukrainian relationship, particularly in the context of a post-war peace agreement.
However, the agreement faced a major setback after a tense Oval Office meeting between the two leaders on Friday.
In that confrontation, President Trump harshly criticized Zelensky, urging him to be more “thankful” for U.S. support in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Trump warned that without American assistance, Ukraine would have likely fallen to Russian forces.
Trump reportedly added, “You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out, and I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.” The U.S. leader had previously indicated that the minerals deal would be “very fair,” with financial benefits for the U.S. in return for supporting Ukraine in a ceasefire.
However, Trump has long been hesitant to commit U.S. military forces to back European troops as peacekeepers.
The heated exchange ended abruptly, with Zelensky leaving the meeting early in his motorcade, following Trump’s request for him to leave without holding the planned joint press conference. The proposed deal was left unsigned, and the White House confirmed that no agreement was reached.
Despite the setback, Zelensky continued to maintain a constructive stance. “It is our policy to continue what happened in the past,” Zelensky told reporters. “We are constructive. If we agreed to sign the minerals deal, we’re ready to sign it.”
On Sunday, during a summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Zelensky received strong support from his European allies. Many leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, reiterated their commitment to bolstering security and forming a coalition to defend any potential truce.
Macron, in an interview upon his return from the London summit, revealed that France and Britain were exploring the idea of proposing a partial one-month truce with Russia.
The situation remains fluid, but Ukraine’s determination to move forward with the minerals deal underscores its commitment to securing vital resources for its post-war future, while navigating a delicate relationship with its powerful Western allies.
