- Zelensky says Ukraine is ready to sign a minerals deal with the U.S. despite tensions with Trump.
- UK and France plan to present a new peace proposal for Ukraine at a European summit.
- Trump and JD Vance criticize Zelensky over his stance on U.S. support and diplomacy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that a minerals agreement with the United States is “ready” to be signed, despite his recent public confrontation with US President Donald Trump.
Speaking to reporters in London after a key summit with European leaders on Sunday, Zelensky said Kyiv was prepared to move forward with the deal, which had stalled following a tense exchange with Trump on Friday.
“It is our policy to continue despite what happened in the past. We are constructive. If we agreed to sign it, we were ready to sign it. And honestly, I believe that the United States is ready as well,” Zelensky said through a translator at London Stansted Airport.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- 45% of Nigerian Girls Become Mothers Before 18 — World Bank
- ECOWAS Faces Historic Defection as Three West African Nations Withdraw
- Netanyahu to Meet Trump at White House Next Week
While acknowledging that the situation might require further analysis, he emphasised that ensuring Ukraine’s position was heard remained his priority.
Zelensky also expressed confidence that relations with Trump could be repaired and that the US would not withdraw its support for Kyiv.
“I think our relations will continue because this is about more than just a moment in time,” he stated. “Ukraine is not the biggest country in the world, but everyone sees how we fight for our independence and freedom.”
He reiterated that US assistance was crucial, warning that halting support would only benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I believe the United States and leaders of the civilised world will not help Putin,” he added.
Zelensky’s remarks came at the conclusion of a two-day visit to the United Kingdom, where European leaders sought to reaffirm their backing for Ukraine and explore diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing war with Russia.
At a pivotal summit in London, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans for Britain and France to form a “coalition of the willing” to draft a peace proposal for Trump’s administration.
“We are at a crossroads in history today,” Starmer declared. “This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act, to lead, and to unite around a new plan for a just and lasting peace.”
FURTHER READING
- [VIDEO] Commotion Rocks PDP BoT Meeting as Faction Confront Each Other
- NiDCOM Prepares for Deportation of Nigerians from U.S
- BREAKING: Sowore Pleads Not Guilty to Cybercrime Charges Filed by Police IG
Tensions between the US and Ukraine escalated on Friday after a heated exchange at the White House, where Trump’s administration had proposed a deal to jointly exploit Ukraine’s natural resources as part of a broader effort to negotiate an end to the war.
During the meeting, Zelensky directly challenged US Vice President JD Vance’s assertion that diplomacy was necessary following what he called the failure of former President Joe Biden’s approach.
In response, both Trump and Vance rebuked Zelensky, accusing him of insufficient gratitude for US support and misjudging Ukraine’s leverage in negotiations.
