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This is an archive article published on March 3, 2025
Ukraine still prepared to sign minerals deal with US, says Zelenskyy
The minerals deal was originally seen as a step towards strengthening security ties between the two countries.
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, center, hosts the European leaders' summit to discuss Ukraine, at Lancaster House, London. (AP)
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he is still “ready to sign” a minerals deal with the United States, despite leaving Washington without an agreement, according to a report by the BBC.
Speaking to reporters in London, Zelenskyy admitted that his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump had been difficult. However, he insisted that Ukraine was open to a “constructive dialogue” with its allies, saying, “I just want the Ukrainian position to be heard.”
The minerals deal was originally seen as a step towards strengthening security ties between the two countries. However, tensions between the US and Ukraine have grown, particularly over how peace talks with Russia are being handled.
The situation worsened after a heated exchange between Zelenskyy, Trump, and US Vice-President JD Vance in the Oval Office, where the Ukrainian leader left without signing the agreement.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CBS News, as quoted by the BBC, that “it was impossible to have an economic deal without a peace deal.” He criticised Zelenskyy for “relitigating” discussions in public rather than keeping negotiations private.
Despite the disagreements, Zelenskyy said that he would return to the White House if invited. However, he refused to discuss the possibility of giving up Ukrainian territory to Russia—a proposal reportedly suggested by Trump’s team as part of a peace plan.
According to the BBC, European leaders recently met in London and agreed on a “four-point plan” to support Ukraine and prevent future Russian aggression. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that Britain, France, and other allies would form a “coalition of the willing” to strengthen their backing for Ukraine, while also seeking greater US involvement.
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Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and currently occupies about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
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