The Ukrainian leader says he will resign if Kyiv is allowed to join NATO.
Ukrainian President Voldymi Zelenkie said the mineral contract with the United States is “ready” despite public destruction with US President Donald Trump.
Speaking to journalists after a key summit with European leaders in London on Sunday, Zelensky said Kiev is ready to move forward with the contract following Friday’s clash with Trump.
“It’s our policy to continue despite what happened in the past. We are constructive. If we agreed to sign, we were ready to sign. Honestly, I believe the US is ready too,” Zelensky told a group of reporters at London Stansted Airport via a translator.
“I think you probably need to analyze something specific, but I just want you to hear what Ukraine stands. It was very important to me to hear what Ukraine stands.”
Zelensky expressed confidence that his administration would not cut off assistance to Kiev, as it could save his ties with Trump.
“I think our relationship will continue because this is more than just a moment,” the Ukrainian leader said.
“We must be open. Ukraine is not the largest country in the world, but we can see how everyone fights for its independence and freedom.”
“We definitely rely on support from the US,” he added.
“I think stopping such aid will only help Putin. So representatives from the US and the civilized world believe that this world leader will definitely not help Putin.”
Zelenskyy’s remarks came at the end of his two-day visit to the UK. Meanwhile, European leaders sought to present a united front that would support Ukraine and rescue efforts to end the war with Russia.
British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer said at the London Landmark Summit they would gather a “rejoic coalition” to create a peace plan for his country and France to present to Trump.
“We are at a crossroads in today’s history,” Stage said, urging European counterparts to step up to “one generation moment” for the safety of the continent.
“This is not a moment to talk more. It’s time to act. It’s time to step up, lead, and unite around a new plan for just and lasting peace.”
The Trump administration’s proposal to jointly exploit Ukraine’s natural resources collapsed in an epic way at a televised meeting between Zelensky and the US president at the White House on Friday as part of a broader deal to end the war.
After Zelenskyy challenged US Vice President JD Vance and said diplomacy was necessary after former US President Joe Biden administration failed to achieve peace, Trump and Vance slammed the Ukrainian leader for not being fully grateful for the US support and overestimating his negotiation position.
After the exchange, Trump cancelled Zelensky’s remaining visit, including a signing ceremony for the mineral trade, saying Ukrainian leaders could return when they were “prepared” for peace.
Several Republican lawmakers, including South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, have suggested that Zelenkey should resign if he can’t negotiate with Trump.
On Sunday, Zelensky called for Republicans to view his position as “undemocratic,” but said he would resign if Ukraine was given membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
“Then it means I’ve done my mission,” he said.
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