London, UK – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Sunday that Ukraine is still ready to sign a landmark minerals deal with the United States, despite tensions following a heated exchange with US President Donald Trump. Speaking to UK media after a summit in London, Zelensky emphasized that the agreement, which was initially intended to support Ukraine’s post-war recovery, could still move forward if both parties were willing to proceed.
“The agreement that’s on the table will be signed if the parties are ready,” Zelensky told reporters in a late-night huddle after attending the summit. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s willingness to continue diplomatic efforts, despite the fallout from his meeting with Trump just days earlier.
The minerals deal, which was supposed to play a pivotal role in Ukraine’s recovery from the ongoing conflict with Russia, was abruptly derailed on Friday following a tense Oval Office confrontation. Zelensky had traveled to Washington to finalize the agreement, which involved joint exploitation of Ukraine’s extensive mineral resources as part of a broader post-war recovery plan. However, a televised meeting between Zelensky and President Trump quickly escalated.
In their discussion, Trump confronted Zelensky over Ukraine’s reliance on US support in the three-year conflict, berating the Ukrainian leader for not being “thankful” enough for the US’s assistance. Trump, who had previously called the minerals deal “very fair,” delivered an ultimatum to Zelensky, stating, “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 exchange ended with Zelensky leaving the Oval Office without holding a planned joint press conference. The White House later confirmed that the minerals deal had not been signed, casting uncertainty on the future of the agreement.
Despite the setback, Zelensky maintained that Ukraine remains committed to the deal. “It is our policy to continue what happened in the past, we’re constructive,” he said, reiterating his willingness to sign the agreement if both sides can reach an understanding.
The minerals deal was envisioned as a significant component of a US-brokered peace agreement, aimed at stabilizing Ukraine and facilitating its recovery after the devastating conflict with Russia. The proposed deal would have granted the United States financial benefits in exchange for supporting Ukraine in a truce, although Trump has consistently resisted committing US military forces as a backup to European peacekeeping troops.
While the US negotiations faltered, Zelensky’s European allies have rallied around him. At a summit in London hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European leaders pledged greater support for Ukraine’s security, vowing to bolster funding for defense efforts and work towards a multinational coalition to protect any potential ceasefire.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who was returning from the summit, expressed his support for Ukraine and revealed that France and Britain were considering proposing a partial one-month truce with Russia as a way to advance peace talks.
As the situation continues to unfold, Ukraine’s future remains uncertain, with international leaders pushing for diplomatic resolutions while the possibility of a prolonged conflict looms.