Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky conveyed that his country remains committed to an agreement with the United States regarding the shared rights to its mineral resources. This came after Zelensky’s departure from the White House without finalizing the deal, following a tense confrontation with President Trump in the Oval Office last Friday. Trump had insisted on a portion of Ukraine’s abundant mineral deposits as compensation for the substantial military and civilian aid — totaling over $175 billion — that the United States has provided since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
“We are ready to sign the minerals agreement, and it will be the first step toward security guarantees,” Zelensky expressed in a detailed post on social media this morning. “But it’s not enough, and we need more than just that. A ceasefire without security guarantees is dangerous for Ukraine. We’ve been fighting for three years, and Ukrainian people need to know that America is on our side.”
During the Oval Office discussion, Zelensky was scolded by Vice President Vance for what was perceived as ingratitude toward the United States’ support during the war. However, the Ukrainian leader also offered heartfelt gratitude for the substantial military and financial assistance Ukraine has received since the conflict began.
“We are very grateful to the United States for all the support. I’m thankful to President Trump, Congress for their bipartisan support, and American people. Ukrainians have always appreciated this support, especially during these three years of full-scale invasion,” Zelensky acknowledged. “America’s help has been vital in helping us survive, and I want to acknowledge that. Despite the tough dialogue, we remain strategic partners.”
Zelensky’s statement largely reiterated his earlier comments made on Friday, emphasizing that Russia’s Vladimir Putin cannot be trusted. He further stressed that a ceasefire would be ineffective as Putin has repeatedly violated such agreements in the past.
“A ceasefire won’t work with Putin. He has broken ceasefires 25 times over the last 10 years. A real peace is the only solution,” Zelensky declared. “I cannot change Ukraine’s position on Russia. The Russians are killing us. Russia is the enemy, and that’s the reality we face. Ukraine wants peace, but it must be a just and lasting peace.”
Following the White House meeting, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke with Zelensky twice today, urging him to find a way to rebuild his relationship with President Trump and the U.S. administration.
“I said: I think you have to find a way, dear Volodymyr, to restore your relationship with Donald Trump and the American administration. That is important going forward,” Rutte told the BBC after contacting the Ukrainian leader.
Zelensky traveled to London today, where he is set to participate in a summit with European leaders on Sunday. The meeting, organized by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will focus on joint defense and security strategies. Starmer greeted Zelensky warmly upon his arrival in London, where the Ukrainian leader will also have an audience with King Charles. The Prime Minister had previously communicated with both Zelensky and Trump, reaffirming “unwavering support for Ukraine.”
On Friday, Zelensky attempted to resolve the situation in an interview with Fox News, expressing hope that the U.S.-Ukraine partnership could be restored.
“Your people helped to save our people,” Zelensky remarked to Fox News anchor Bret Baier. “This is very, very important. And we are thankful.”
{Matzav.com}