Ukraine’s Zelensky Poised to Finalize Minerals Agreement with the U.S. Amid Tumultuous Diplomacy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness to finalize a minerals agreement with the United States, sharing this news during a late-night discussion with UK media following a significant summit in London on Sunday.
Zelensky stated, “The agreement is on the table and will be signed if both parties are prepared,” emphasizing his openness to advancing the deal intended to support Ukraine’s post-war recovery and signal a path towards resolving ongoing conflicts.
Initially, this deal was meant to enhance cooperation in the joint exploration of Ukraine’s extensive mineral resources. However, momentum stalled following a heated exchange during a Friday meeting at the Oval Office with U.S. President Donald Trump. During this confrontation, Trump admonished Zelensky for not adequately appreciating U.S. assistance during Ukraine’s protracted conflict with Russia, insisting that without American support, Ukraine would have succumbed to Russian forces.
Trump stressed, “You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out. If we back out, you’ll be left to handle it alone, and I don’t expect that to end well.” This ultimatum came even though Trump had previously remarked that the proposed minerals deal would be “very fair,” indicating financial incentives for the U.S. in response to aiding Ukraine in achieving peace, despite his consistent reluctance to commit U.S. military forces alongside European allies serving as peacekeepers.
After the charged dialogue, Zelensky departed the meeting in his motorcade without participating in a scheduled joint press conference, and the resources agreement went unsigned, according to the White House.
In the aftermath of the Oval Office encounter, Zelensky received support from Ukraine’s allies at the London summit, where UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted that numerous European leaders had committed to increasing their defense spending and forming a coalition to uphold any ceasefire.
Additionally, French President Emmanuel Macron, returning from the summit, revealed in a newspaper interview that both France and Britain aim to propose a one-month partial truce with Russia, highlighting continued efforts for diplomatic solutions.
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