Ukraine is prepared to sign a minerals agreement with Washington despite Friday’s heated exchange between its president and his U.S. counterpart, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters late Sunday.
Just days after leaving the White House without finalizing the deal, Zelenskyy emphasized, "I just want Ukraine’s position to be heard. We need our partners to remember who the real aggressor is in this war."
Tense White House Meeting
The highly anticipated meeting between Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump escalated into a televised confrontation, with Trump ultimately declaring the raw minerals deal dead—the very reason for Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington.
“I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he believes our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations,” Trump wrote Friday on Truth Social.
“I don’t want advantage, I want peace. He disrespected the United States in its cherished Oval Office. He can return when he is ready for peace.”
The Minerals Agreement: Washington’s Proposal
The U.S. first presented the minerals deal to Ukraine in early February, led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Under the proposed agreement:
- The U.S. would receive 50% of all revenues generated from Ukraine’s mineral and natural resources, which officials say is repayment for past military aid.
- Proceeds would go into a fund to be reinvested in Ukraine’s security, stability, and economic recovery.
Zelenskyy, however, has insisted that any agreement must include real security guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression.
A New European Peace Initiative
Zelenskyy’s remarks came at the close of a two-day summit in the United Kingdom, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans for a “coalition of the willing” to draft a new peace plan for Ukraine.
“We are at a crossroads in history,” Starmer said.
“This is not the time for more talk. It’s time to act—to step up, to lead, and to unite around a just and lasting peace.”
Washington’s Frustration
Before the summit, Bessent told CBS News that Zelenskyy had derailed the process by publicly discussing the minerals deal, arguing that the agreement was meant to be finalized behind closed doors.
“It is impossible to have an economic deal without a peace deal,” Bessent insisted.
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