London, March 3 — Despite a recent
confrontation with US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday that a minerals deal with the United States is still “ready” to be signed after a key summit with European leaders in London.
“It is our policy to continue despite what happened in the past,” Zelenskyy told reporters at London Stansted Airport via a translator.
“If we agreed upon signing it, we were ready to sign it. And honestly, I believe the United States is ready as well.”
The agreement, part of a broader US proposal to jointly exploit Ukraine’s natural resources, collapsed on Friday after Trump abruptly canceled a planned signing ceremony. The decision followed a televised meeting at the White House, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy for not showing enough gratitude for US aid and overestimating his bargaining position.
Despite the fallout, Zelenskyy expressed confidence that relations with Washington could be repaired and that US assistance to Kyiv would not be cut off.
“I think our relations will continue because this is more than just a momentary issue,” he said.
“Ukraine is not the biggest country in the world, but everyone can see how it fights for its independence and freedom.”
Zelenskyy dismissed Republican calls for his resignation as “undemocratic” but said he would step down if Ukraine secured NATO membership.
“If that happens, it means I have fulfilled my mission,” he stated.
Zelenskyy’s remarks came at the close of a two-day visit to the United Kingdom, where European leaders sought to reaffirm their support for Ukraine and advance diplomatic efforts to end the war with Russia.
During the London summit, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to form a “coalition of the willing” with France to draft a peace proposal for Trump’s consideration.
Zelenskyy meets British PM Starmer in London, March 1, 2025.
“We are at a crossroads in history today,” Starmer said. “This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act. Time to step up, lead, and unite around a new plan for a just and enduring peace.”
Zelenskyy, who has consistently opposed Trump’s calls for immediate negotiations with Russia, reiterated that cutting off US assistance would only benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Stopping such assistance will only help Putin,” he said. “That’s why I believe the United States and the leaders of the civilized world won’t allow it.”
While the minerals deal remains in limbo, Zelenskyy maintained that Ukraine’s position should be heard, adding, “Perhaps there is a need to analyze certain things, but it was very important to me that the Ukrainian position is heard.”