- Zelenskyy told journalists on Sunday after summit with European leaders that he is “ready” to sign the minerals deal between the US and Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine says he is ready to salvage his country’s relationship with the United States by acceding to some of the latter’s demand.
Zelenskyy told journalists on Sunday after summit with European leaders that he is “ready” to sign the minerals deal between the US and Ukraine.
This is even as the Ukrainian leader described Sunday discussion with European leaders and decision to send a draft peace plan to the US as a key development towards peace.
However, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine would not surrender any part to Russia as part of a peace deal
He expressed his readiness to put pen to paper on the mineral deal while fielding questions on the future of the deal which would grant the US access to Ukraine’s rare mineral reserves.
“It is our policy to continue what happened in the past, we’re constructive.
“If we agreed to sign the minerals deal, we’re ready to sign it.
“The agreement that’s on the table will be signed if the parties are ready,” he said.
This comes after a heated exchange with President Donald Trump and Vice president JD Vance at the Oval office in Washington DC on Friday.
Zelenskyy had traveled to the White House to sign the mineral deal which could have opened up the path for peace between Ukraine and Russia.
The discussion, however, degenerated into a shouting match over Russia’s lack of respect for diplomacy and refusal to adhere to ceasefire agreement.
Zelenskyy had left the White House without signing the all important mineral deal with billions of dollars.
During the face-off, President Donald Trump had accused Zelensky of being ungrateful despite the massive support he got from the US during his country’s three years war with Russia.
Trump also stated that Zelensky’s actions could ignite World War Three.
Speaking on Sunday, Zelensky said he did not think the US would withdraw its support for Ukraine, because as leaders of the civilized world they would not want to help Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“As regards salvaging the relationship, I think our relationship will continue. I do not think it’s right when such discussions are totally open.
“The format of what happened, I don’t think it brought something positive or additional to us as partners,” Zelenskyy said