Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness to sign a minerals agreement with the United States, despite recent tensions following a heated exchange with US President Donald Trump.
Speaking to UK media on Sunday after a landmark summit in London, Zelensky stated, “The agreement that’s on the table will be signed if the parties are ready.”
The proposed deal, aimed at jointly exploiting Ukraine’s vast mineral resources, was expected to be a key step in Ukraine’s post-war recovery under a US-brokered peace plan. However, negotiations collapsed on Friday following a tense Oval Office meeting between Zelensky and Trump.
Trump-Zelensky Clash Derails Agreement
During their White House talks, Trump pressed Zelensky to express greater gratitude for US assistance, reportedly telling him, “You’re either going to make a deal, or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll have to fight it out, and I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.”
The proposed minerals deal was intended to provide financial incentives for Washington’s role in securing a truce, but Trump has repeatedly declined to commit US military support for European-led peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine.
Following the heated exchange, Zelensky left the White House abruptly, skipping a planned joint press conference. The White House later confirmed that the deal remained unsigned.
European Allies Back Ukraine
In response to the failed negotiations, European leaders rallied behind Zelensky at the UK-hosted summit. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that many European nations had pledged to boost security spending and assemble a coalition to defend any future truce.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking after the summit, revealed that France and Britain were proposing a one-month partial truce with Russia as a step toward a broader peace agreement.
As diplomatic tensions persist, Ukraine remains determined to secure international backing for its economic recovery and defense efforts.
