Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness to sign a minerals deal with the United States, despite the agreement falling through after a heated exchange with US President Donald Trump during a recent Oval Office meeting.
Speaking to UK media on Sunday, Zelensky stated, “The agreement that’s on the table will be signed if the parties are ready.” He emphasized Ukraine’s constructive approach to the deal, which was intended to support the country’s post-war recovery by jointly exploiting its vast mineral resources.
The deal, seen as a step toward ending the conflict in Ukraine, collapsed on Friday after a televised clash between Zelensky and Trump. During the meeting, Trump criticized Zelensky for not being “thankful” enough for US support in the three-year war and warned that without American assistance, Ukraine would have been conquered by Russia.
“You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out,” Trump reportedly told Zelensky. “And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out, and I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.”
The US leader had previously described the proposed minerals deal as “very fair,” offering Washington financial benefits for supporting Ukraine in a truce. However, Trump has consistently refused to commit US military forces to back up European troops acting as peacekeepers.
Following the tense exchange, Zelensky left the White House without holding a planned joint press conference, and the deal remained unsigned.
Despite the setback, Ukraine’s allies rallied around Zelensky at a summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Many European leaders pledged increased security spending and support for a coalition to defend any truce.
French President Emmanuel Macron, returning from the London summit, revealed that France and Britain are proposing a partial one-month truce with Russia.
Zelensky’s willingness to sign the minerals deal underscores Ukraine’s commitment to securing international support for its recovery and peace efforts.
